>i!:iiM!!saK»a8m*ttiffiia2i£ii^ 




/ 



^'>? / '' 



THE 



PEOPLE'S PHYSICIAN 



DESIGNED AS A 



MANUAL OF MEDICINE, 



EXPRESSLY 



FOE THE USE OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS, 



FREE FROM TECHNICAL PHRASES AND COJrPLTCATIOXS USUAL TN MEDICAL "WORKS. 

THE WHOLE SO SIMPLIFIED AND ARRANGED AS TO BE ADAPTED 

TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF ALL. 



TO WHICH IS ADDED 



A LIST OF SYNONYMS OF MANY COMMON l^IEDICAL PLANTS. 



L. P. MEADER. 




CIl^CmiS'ATI: 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOB. 

18 GO. 



Art> 



^f 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by 

L. P. HEADER, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern Distinct of Ohio. 



Stereotyped by Hills, O'DriscoU & Co., 
141 Main St., Cincinnati. 



Printed by P. C. Browne. 



PREFACE 



In offering to the public the present medical work, ^^ The 
People's Physician," the author is fully sensible of the vast 
responsibility of the task assumed, and has, therefore, earn- 
estly endeavored to make it thoroughly reliable, accurate, 
and comprehensive. All previous works on the same sub- 
jects, within the author's reach, have been consulted ; and 
in order to have access to the best libraries, as well as to 
add the great desideratum of practical observation in the 
preparation of the work, much time and money have been 
expended, during sojourns in the principal cities, and in 
traveling through the United States and Territories, where 
every possible source of information has been made availa- 
ble, the various medicinal plants sought in their native local- 
ities, and carefully collated, that any previous defective de- 
scription, either of appearance, properties, or use, might be 
corrected, and mistakes on these vital points, often fatal 
in their issue, thus avoided. The results of these labors are 
comprehended in the present volume. It has been the 
author's aim to furnish the information contained in it, 
divested of the technicalities and obscure phraseology in 
which, until very recently, such matters have been enshroud- 
ed from all but the initiated few. The language is so plain 
that all can understand it ; a glossary being appended, with 
definitions of all words not in common use, which have been 

unavoidably introduced. 

(iii) 



ly PREFACE. 

A list of the s3monyms of a large number of common 
medical plants, has also been appended, which will be found 
of great service to the unscientific reader. 

The work has been divided into two principal depart- 
ments — the first embracing a description of plant?, with 
their properties and uses ; the latter a treatise on the dis- 
eases. The alphabetical arrangement of the former enables 
the reader to turn almost instantly to any desired remedy, 
and the explanations are so full and expUcit, both as to 
properties and mode of administration, that error is nearly 
impossible. 

The latter portion of the work is again divided under 
the two heads of general and local diseases, and embraces a 
description of the diseases, their causes, symptoms, and 
method of treatment. Great pains have been taken to com- 
press all these particulars into a small space, and it is be- 
lieved they will be found stated in a clear, full, and concise 
manner. Immediate reference may be made to any disease 
by means of the index at the close of the volume. 

In the appendix will be found the descriptiou, etc., of 
several plants omitted in the first division of the volume, 
together with some diseases and their treatment, which 
should have gone in the second part. There will also be 
found a large number of very valuable practical recipes for 
the preparation of tinctures, ointments, washes, etc., be- 
tween the division of the work relating to diseases and 
the appendix. 

The illustrations distributed through the work have been 
prepared with great care, and will be found true represent- 
ations of the originals. They will enable those previously 
unacquainted with the plants, to recognize them wherever 
they may be found ; and the directions contained in the 
work, will furnish the proper mode of preparing them for 
use. 



PREFACE. V 

No expense has been spared to render the mechanical 
execution unexceptionable. The type is clear and distinct, 
the paper and binding fine and substantial — essential re- 
quisites to a book intended as this is, for daily reference 
andi use. 

If this work should prove of service in removing the 
ignorance which has heretofore generally prevailed among 
the mass of the people, on medical subjects, enabling' them 
to understand their d'seases, and apply the appropriate 
remedies, the author will feel fully compensated for the years 
of laborious research and toil, which have been consumed 
in its preparation. 



OTRODUCTION. 



Looking at man in his earthly position, it would seem 
that no knowledge should be so important, or should be of 
so much interest to him, as that relating to himself. So far 
as this world is concerned, he is the head of all things — the 
highest order of intelligence — the most complicated and 
beautiful in the mechanism of structure. All other ani- 
mated beings, even the elements and powers of nature, are 
subservient to him, and possess importance only in so far 
as they concern him. He is the central radiating point of 
the terrene universe. If we imagine a being of some other 
and higher sphere of existence, in search of knowledge, 
looking upon this world of ours for the first time, what sub- 
ject would we suppose most deeply to engross his thoughts ? 
This enormous body of matter, whirHng through space, with 
its innumerable diversities, taken as a whole and in its parts, 
would remind him first of the Omnipotent Creator. Exam- 
ining philosophically into the details of the great cosmorama, 
he would contemplate the expanses of ocean and of land, 
the varieties of climate, the wonders of the animal, vegeta- 
ble and mineral kingdoms; but upon man his chief atten- 
tion Vv'ould rest, as the key by which most easily to unlock 
the mysteries of nature in her minor forms ; he would study 
his structure, his capabilities, his relations to all surrounding 
phenomena, his destiny ; and, mastering this starting point 

vii 



VlU INTRODUCTION. 

of inquiry, the remainder of the investigation would be 
easy. Yet man, the being whose whole existence is in- 
volved, has been to himself a sealed book, possessing no 
interest — the task of understanding him, and ministering 
to his ph3^sical, intellectual, moral, and religious wants, has 
been committed to few persons, as a thing with which the 
masses have nothing to do. This blindness to the most 
important interests has had its legitimate results. Selfish- 
ness is inherent in the human constitution, and even the 
best are liable to have their course swayed, sometimes in- 
voluntarily, by its dictates. The interest of the class 
having in charge man's physical nature, with its treatment 
when disease threatened to sweep him away, was seen to be 
in perpetuating its own power by preserving the general 
ignorance, and to this end, every thing relating to the pro- 
fession was couched in language unfamihar to the public 
ear, to understand which, years of application were neces- 
sary. It was made a great mystery, into which it was 
profanation for the vulgar to attempt to penetrate ; and 
under this covering, impositions the most vile were, and 
still are, practiced upon the confiding dupes at large. An 
imaginary ailment is felt, and a physician called in, who 
sees that nothing is amiss, but who, after feeling the pulse, 
looking at the tongue, inquiring symptoms, etc., gravely 
writes oat a Latin prescription for some innocent prepara- 
tion, calls again and again to repeat the farce, and pocket 
the gain, until the patient imagines himself well. In some 
cases real illness is made to supersede the fancied, and the 
unfortunate victim goes down to his grave, or rises from his 
bed with a broken constitution and an impoverished purse. 
It is not asserted that the great body of medical men are 
guilty of such practices — the high minded and honorable, 
who wear out their own lives for the good of humanity, and 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

receive but an ill requital for their services, are many — but 
that such cases often occur can not be gainsayed. The 
pretentious charlatan is frequently employed to the exclusion 
of a competent adviser, because the total ignorance of the 
patient unfits him for distinguishing where the real knowl- 
edge hes. 

But the mysterious veil w^iich has heretofore shrouded 
the science and art of medicine from the public, is at 
length being rent away. The progress made in other 
branches of human knowledge, has at last reached this, 
which should have been the fir^t influenced, and many now 
determinedly think and inquire, where before they were con- 
tent to submit. This want of the age has been met. Books 
have been written which bring nearly all the branches of 
the science within reach of every ordinary capacity. Des- 
pite the opposition of the " profession " as a body — its 
sneers, irs denunciations — the bands of medical lore have 
been broken, and its treasures scattered broadcast for all 
who will make use of them. The ridicule which attended 
the first attempts to popularize things that it was pre- 
tended were beyond the general comprehension, has almost 
ceased. Physiology and anatomy are being taught as com- 
mon branches of education in many schools, while w^orks on 
those subjects, together with pathology, surgery, materia 
medica, practice of medicine, etc., as adapted to home use, 
are read and beneficially employed in many families. 

Truth and knowledge, among other things, have dispelled 
the delusion, that it is "indelicate " for w^omen to become 
acquainted with the human frame, its organs and their uses. 
To her it is peculiarly necessary to be thoroughly informed 
on such subjects, because of the gre iter sensitiveness and 
complication of her own organization, and because to her is 
universally committed the care of the }'oung, the awful 



X INTRODUCTION. 

mortality among whom in civilized countries — and in our 
own no less than others — may in great measure be attribu- 
ted to the incompetency of mothers and nurses. Ignorance 
of truth, when that truth embraces a knowledge of the most 
perfect of God's creations, and the means of preserving it 
in the state of beauty and health designed by Him, can 
never be a concomitant of true female refinement and deli- 
cacy. The prurient curiosity and false notions of which 
ignorance itself is the parent, are much more to be feared. 

But the advance in medical science is not confined to its 
dissemination among the people. Reform in the profession 
itself, though reluctantly adopted, has nevertheless steadily 
progressed. In times gone by, minerals were the chief 
remedies for all diseases, and these were administered in 
such quantities as often left the patient, when the disease 
was conquered, a valetudinarian for hfe. They are now 
used more sparingly, and the substitution of vegetable for 
mineral remedies, is being gradually accomplished. This is 
in accordance with analogy, and the laws of nature. It is 
beheved that in the vegetable kingdom, as an accessory to 
pure air, water, and a correct regimen, will eventually be 
found the cures for all diseases. Previous to the introduc- 
tion of the white man's habits and complaints, the Ameri- 
can Indian, who derived his medicines solely from this 
source, suffered but little from disease. It is well known 
that many animals, when suffering, turn instinctively to the 
plant which gives them relief The ancients, too, who dealt 
but little, if at all, with minerals as medicines, and among 
whom disease was much less prevalent than with us, were 
acquainted with the medicinal virtues of many plants ; and 
the destruction of the ancient hbraries and records, by 
which Hterature and the sciences have been such severe 



^ 



r^ 



INTRODUCTION. Xl 

losers, has undoubtedly deprived the medical student of 
much valuable information. The investigation is now, how- 
ever, being pursued in the right direction, and the many 
valuable discoveries and applications of medicinal plants, 
that have of late years been made (which will be found in- 
corporated in this volume), lead to the hope that we shall 
soon have a complete vegetable materia medica, to which 
recourse can be had in all emergencies. In the meantime, 
such other remedies as experience has proved to be benefi- 
cial, have been retained, where no known vegetables would 
produce the desired effects. 




Erythronium Americancm, (Adder- tongue.) 



HE 

PEOPLE'S PHYSICIAI 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



. Materia Medica may be defined, 1. — Those substances, 
both natural and prepared, that are useful in the cure of 
disease. 2. — The science which treats of such substances. 

In the following pages, the various articles of Materia 
Medica which will be found most useful to tlie people in 
domestic practice, are arranged alphabetically, with full des- 
criptions of their properties, mode of preparation, medical 
uses, and the doses in which they are to be given. 

The amount of medicine required by different persons to 
produce a given result, varies as the circumstances of the 
individual varies ; and special directions in this important 
matter will be found on page 389. 

It is hoped that this part of the book will be of sufficient 
interest to command the most attentive and repeated perusal. 



ADDER'S TOj^GUE. — {ErytJironium Americamim) 

{Properties) — Anti-scrofcjlous, Emetic, Emollient, Sup- 
purative. 



[Medical Uses.l — This plant is likewise called dog's-iootA 
violet, snow-drop, snake-leaf, etc., the root of which has been 
Buccessfiilly given in colic and epilepsy. 

The fresh roots or leaves may be applied to scrofulous sores 
and scald-head, by way of poultice, which will speedily heal 

13 



14 people's physician. 

them. The infusion, moreover, should be drank at the same 
time. 

The dose for an emetic is thirty grains of the fresh, or forty 
of the dried root. 



AGEIMONY. — {Agrhnonia Eupatoria.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Deoesteuent, Tonic. 



[Medical Uses.'] — This phmt is likewise called cocldehur or 
stickwort^ the roots or leaves of which are prepared by way 
of infusion, and taken hot in fevers and bowel complaints, 
or diarrhea in children. The same is' highly spoken of as a 
remedy in scurvy, jaundice, etc. 



AMEKICAiSr COLUMBO.— (i^/W5^ra Carolinensis) 
{Properties.') — Antiseptic, Catiiaktic, Emetic, Tonic. 



[3£edical Uses.'] — This plant has a fleshy root of a yellow 
color, and somewhat resembling columba. It is a sim})le 
bitter, without astringency. In cases of gangrene or mortifi- 
cation it may be administered internally by infusion ; and, at 
the same time externally by way of poultice. It is particu- 
larly serviceable in diarrhea, colic, nausea, debility, dys- 
pepsia, etc., and may be given in the dose of a tea-spoonful of 
the powdered root in warm water. 

The fresh root is said to be emetic and cathartic. 



AMERICAN SE^l^A.— {Cassia Maryland lea.) 

\_Medical Uses.] — American Senna, otherwise called vjild 
senna or locustplant^ the leaves of w^hich are very similar to 




Agrimonia Eupatoria, (Agrimony.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 15 

those of the imported article, and used as a Bubstitute, proves 
a mild purgative in doses one-third larger. We find it 
growing wild in nearly all the States. 

Dose^ — Infuse one half ounce of senna with one ounce of 
manna in a pint of hot water. 



K\DYl^.—{Socotrine:) 
{Pro2yerties.) — Anthelmintic, Puegative, Stomachic. 



[Ifedical Uses.'] — There are a variety of Aloes, all having 
nearly a similar mode of operation or effect. As a medicine, 
aloes is held in extensive use as a purgative, not reducing 
or weakening in its operation, like many other purgatives. 
It is of great utility in promoting the healthy action of the 
stomach — aids digestion — obviates redundancy of the bile — 
hepatic and splenetic disorders — chills and fevers ; — posesses 
to some extent emmenagogue qualities, and is extolled as an 
anthelmintic for the ascarides or pin worms. The following 
preparation is among the best to be kept for family use : — 
Take of saffron, myrrh, and aloes, one ounce each, pulverize 
them ; let the myrrh steep in half a-pint of brandy or I^ew 
England rum four days, then add the saffron and aloes, per- 
mitting it to stand in the sun or a warm place, for two weeks, 
being particular to shake it twice a day : at the expiration of 
which time, pour it into any common sized bottle, fill with 
the spirits above mentioned, and at the end of three or four 
weeks it will be ready for use. This is a medicine well cal- 
culated for coughs, derangement of the digestive organs, and 
invaluable to be kept in families in all the States, particularly 
in sections of the Southern and "Western States, where chills 
and fever much abound. 

Dose^ from one to three table-spoonsful on retiring at 
night. — Dose^ simply of aloes, from five to thirty grains. 



16 people's physician. 

AITGELICA. — {ArcJiangelica atrojpwrpurea.) 
{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Balsamic, Cakminative, De- 

OBSTRCENT, SuDOKIFIC, ToNIC, EmMENAGOGUE. 



Description. — Tliis plant rises from a perennial root, with a 
herbaceous stem, smooth, of a dark purple color, furnished 
with ternate leaves having large footstalks, and composed of 
ovate leaflets, pointed, deeply notched and cut in on the edges. 
It produces white flowers presenting a shade of green. This 
species of Angelica is supposed to possess similar qualities to 
the common garden Angelica. Its flowers appear in June 
and July, and the plant is found in meadows and wet woods. 

\_Medical Uses.'] — A decoction of the root of Angelica ia 
more eflfectual than a drink made of the leaves ; and this tea, 
drank two or three spoonsful at a tim.e, relieves all pains and 
difficulties resulting from colds, — taken with some of the 
powder of the root, it removes pleurisy in its incipient stages, 
diseases of the chest and lungs, as coughs, asthma, shortness of 
breath, etc. A sirup made of the stalks produces a similar 
effect. It relieves colic, strangury, suppression of urine, 
removes visceral obstructions, voids the placenta or after-birth, 
disperses flatulent distension of the bowels, and promotes 
digestion. Let the decoction be taken and sweat produced 
before the approach of paroxysms of agues, and it will in two 
or three times taking entirely remove them. The expressed 
juice of Angelica obviates dysopsy or dimness of sight, deaf- 
ness and toothache. 

The pulverized root made into a plaster with some pitch is 
excellent for bites of mad dosrs and other venomous bites. 

Cloths saturated with the expressed juice or distilled water, 
ur an application of the pulverized root, cleanses and heals 
deep, foul ulcers, speedily covering the naked bones with flesh. 

The distilled water applied to parts affected with the gout 
and sciatic rheumatism imparts great alleviation. 



MATERIA MED ICA. 17 

AYENS.—iGeum rivaU.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — Avens at first gives rise to a species of 
compound leaves, proceeding directly from the root, termi- 
nated with large leaflets, and having long, hairy footstalks. 
The stems are nearly two feet in hight, upright, hairy, shaded 
with purple and set with leaves cora}X)sed of three sharply 
notched, pointed divisions. Its flowers are of a purplish hue, 
drooping, disposed singly on terminal peduncles or flower 
stems, and composed of five leaves. It has a perennial, 
fibrous root, externally brownish and white within, — produces 
flowers in June and July, and is found in low, wet soils or 
marshy meadows. 

[Medical Uses.] — It is considered very useful for diseases 
of the chest, and for its peculiar virtues in removing crude 
and raw humors from the stomach. It disperses internal 
coagulated blood, and is excellent for spitting of blood and 
ruptures, — the roots either fresh or dr}", being infused in wine 
for this purpose, or for external wounds as a lotion. The 
herb strengthens and warms the stomach, removes hepatic 
and splenetic obstructions, flatulent or wind colic, — promotes 
digestion, and is useful in fluxes. Steeped in wine, it fur- 
nishes a good beverage to re-invigorate 'the spirits and 
strengthen the brain. 



BALM. — (Melissa officinalis.) 

(Properties.) — Aromatic. Cephalic, Cordial, Diaphoretic, 
Pectoral, Stomachic, Sudorific. 



Description. — Balm rises with a number of upright stems, 
square, branched, between one and two feet in hight, bearing 
yellow flowers, set with leaves in pairs, broader at the base 



18 people's physician. 

and diminishiDg toward tlie teriniiiation, notched with a 
sawlike edge. This species of B.ilm is found among garden 
plants, and likewise in a wild state, producing flowers in 
July. Its stems perish annually, but its root is perennial. 

\_MediGal Uses.'] — This plant strengthens nature much in 
all its functions. A sirup or tea, as persons may choose, is 
excellent in fainting or swooning, and re-invigorates the 
spirits exceedingly, — it clears the head — relieves weakness 
of the stomach, griping paius of the bowels, and aids diges- 
tion. This plant likewise furnishes a cooling beverage, much 
used in fevers, and should be given warm to promote perspi- 
ration and abate the fever. The leaves, combined with salt, 
may be used to remove wens, and glandular swellings of the 
throat. 

A cupful of Balm tea with a tea-spoonful .of pulverized 
saltpetre dissolved in the same, proves effectual in stoppage 
of urine. If attended with severe pain, let the patient take 
a tea-spoonful of paregoric after the lapse of half an hour. 

A drink, made of the expressed juice of the fresh young 
herb, with eggs, sugar, rose-water, and a little wine, taken 
warm, will be found useful in fainting attending labor or par- 
turition. 



BALM OF GYL'EM).—{Po]?uIus lalsamifera) 
{Properties.) — Balsamic, Pectokal, Stomachic, Tonic. 



[Medical Uses^ — The buds of this tree, which abound with 
a balsamic gum, hold a high reputation in disorders of the 
chest and lungs — weakness, or general languor. The mode 
of use is to put them into a bottle of rum — the quantity of a 
handful ; permitting them to infuse or steep. Dose, a table- 
spoonful three or four times a day. We use the same pre- 
pared into an ointment for bruises, scalds, burns, and tumors. 
It is one of the best balsamic or healing applications which 
can be obtained for recent cuts or wounds. 




Feasera Oarolinensis, (American Oolumbo.) 




Cheloot: Glabra, (Balmony.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 19 

4 

'^MM.OEY .—{Chelone glabra.) 
(Properties.) — Antibilious, Alteeatiye, Laxative, Tonic. 



Description. -^Bsilmonj rises with several upright stems 
with blunt corners, three or four feet in hight, set with 
opposite, oblong leaves, having a sharp extended termination, 
of a very bitter taste, and of a blackish green. The flowers 
are white, or slightly variegated, appearing in a cluster, the 
coral distended or swelling out at the middle, consisting of 
only two lips or a mouth, at the end. This plant is often called 
snake's head, and produces flowers in October and November 

[Medical Uses.] — It promotes a healthy hepatic action- 
restores a lost appetite, obviates constipation and dyspepsia, 
and proves a valuable tonic to strengthen the system gener- 
ally. It is useful in intermittent fevers, scrofula or king's 
evil, and all impurities of the blood. 



BAUBERRY.—iBerheris vulgaris.) 



(Properties. ) — Alterative, Astringent, Eefrigekant, 
Tonic. 



Description. — This bush or shrub has roundish pointed 
leaves, somewhat broader at the termination than at the base, 
remotely serrated or sharply notched on the edges, and with 
ribs indurated or hard. It produces acid berries, which are 
red when ripe, and very much used by way of an agreeable 
and refreshing preserve. 

[Medical Uses.l — An infusion of the inner rind of the bark 
should be taken, a gill at a dose, each morning : — It is an excel- 
lent remedy to purify the blood and to remove all morbid, bili- 
ary humors from the system, which give rise to jaundice, 



20 people's physician. 

cutaneous affections, fevers, etc. It proves a very cooling 
beverage given in levers, corrects the heat of the blood, and 
by its valuable, combined qualities remedies the bloody flux. 

As an external application the bark is used to advantage in 
burns and scalds. The bark or root, moreover, is effectual for 
the pain, smarting, and bearing down of the uterus : — Make 
a tea and drink freely. 

The berries procure a good appetite, and may be used for 
the above purposes. 



BAYBERUY.— {My rica cer?yera.) 

(Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Errhine, Stimu- 
lant. 

Description. — Bayberry, otherwise called wax-myrtle, has 
an erect, shrubby stem, with a full, densely branched top, well 
furnished with narrow, lustrous green lanceolate leaves. 

It blooms about May, and its flowers are succeeded by small 
berries enveloped with a greenish wax. 

l^lfedical Uses.l — Bayberry root bark is excellent to purge 
the head in catarrhal complaints ; and an infusion of the root 
may be employed with very great advantage, both internally 
and externally, in canker, scrofula, and other impurities of 
the blood. 

Possessing naturally a binding quality, it is well calculated 
to arrest looseness or fluxes of the bowels, as diarrhea, dys- 
entery, bloody flux : A gill of the warm infusion may be 
taken four times a day, an hour before eating and at bed time. 

The decoction of the bruised bark of the root, employed as 
a wash, and the bark, also, in form of a poultice, is highly use- 
ful in scrofulous ulcers, or any chronic stubborn sores. 

It is used with good success, moreover, in scarlet fever, 
and putrid ulcerous sore throat. In the two last cases mix 
bayberry tea, vinegar, and table salt — two table-spoonsful 
each ; — and take a little every half hour. If this is timely 




Cassia (Senua.) 




Cassia Marylandica, (American Senna.) 




Myrica Cerjfera, (Bayberry.) 




Tkillium Laterifolium, (Birtli-root.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 21 

used, the diseases will usually yield in the onset. When at- 
tended with much fever, administer first a brisk cathartic — and 
keep the bowels gently open throughout the disease with small 
doses of rhubarb and nitre. 



BETH llOOT.~{TriUium erectum.) 
{Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Pectoral, Tonic. 



[Medical Uses.] — This root is employed as an external ap- 
plication with very good success, in ulcers of a putrescent or 
gangrenous tendency, and may be employed internally in 
hemoptysis or spitting of blood, — in affections of the chest 
and lungs. 

It is used with very good advantage in fluor albus and 
profuse menses — alviue discharges, and nephritic complaints 
accompanied with blood. Let an infusion of the root be 
made and drank plentifully. 

There are several species of this family of plants, having 
nearly all the same properties. 



BlSTOm:.— {Polygonum Ustorta.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Sudorific. 



Description. — The root of Bistort is employed in Europe 
and the United States for medicinal purposes, and may be 
obtained at the shops. This root is short, moderately thick, 
bent or folded together, fibrous, of a dark brown on the exte- 
rior, and reddish within. 

[Medical Uses.'] — The powder of this root has a powerful 
quality to resist poison — taken in drink it expels the virus of 
small pox, measles, purples, or other infectious diseases, de- 
termining the disease to the surface by exciting perspiration 



22 THE people's physician. 

— it is very useful in bites of serpents and rabid aninials, 
being a singular remedy in such cases, employed by way of 
infusion in wine — the same may be given in cases of internal 
bleeding, hemorrhagic affections in their varied forms — in 
ruptures and injuries resulting from falls — in diabetes or ex- 
cessive flow of urine — in diarrhea ; and may be employed, 
likewise, as a preventive of abortion or miscarriage. The 
decoction of the root is useful as a lotion or wash for ulcers 
attended with profuse discharge, inflammation of the tonsils, 
cankers, etc. A tea, moreover, of this root and gentian is 
taken in intermitteuts or ague and fever. 

Dose. — From a half to one tea-spoonful of the powder three 
times a day. 

BITTER-KOOT. — {Apocynum androsoemifolium.) 

{Properties.) — Cathartic, Emetic, Tonic. 



[Medical Uses?[ — This plant is sometimes called Tionexj- 
hloom^ fly-trap.^ wandering milk-weed^ MUer-dogshane^ etc. 
It is intensely bitter, hence its name. 

When administered in laroje doses at the commencement of 
a fever, it purges the bowels, and thereby will often throw off 
the disease. 

It is of great utility in jaundice, intermitteuts, dyspepsia, 
liver complaints, etc. The dose is from eight or ten to fifteen 
grains. The powder of the root is also administered as an 
emetic, thirty grains producing about the same effect as a 
scruple of ipecacuanha. 



BITTEE-SWEET.— (<7eZ^5z^rw5 scandens.) 

{Properties.) — Alterative, Antibilious, Discutient, Di- 
uretic. 

Description. — This plant rises from a long, reddish yel- 
low, creeping root, with a brown, viny stem, thick as a common 




Celasteus Scandens, (Bitter-s(veet.} 




Apocynum ANDEoa^MiFOLiuM, (Bitter^Toot. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 23 

grape vine, supporting itself on rocks, trees, cliifs, or adjacent 
bodies. In some places which are congenial, it attains to a 
great hight. The leaves are broadest at the central part, 
somewhat small at the foot, with an extended, pointed termi- 
nation, and denticulate or edged with small teeth. 

Its flowers are usually of a greenish shade, and bloom the 
early part of June. 

[3fedical Uses.'] — This plant furnishes a valuable medicine 
in dropsical affections, scrofula or king's evil, indolent or in- 
durated swellings, cankers and cancers, — hepatic or biliary 
disorders, and all impurities of the blood, — rheumatic disor- 
ders, bilious and intermittent fevers, general debilitated state 
of the system, — and is an eminent medicine to disperse inflam- 
mations. It is very cleansing, and has a direct and salutary 
action upon the most important organs, and thereby conduces 
to a good state of health. The berries possess an emollient, 
discutient property. The bark is principally used by way of 
decoction as an internal medicine — -by taking a tea cupful 
some three or four times a day. 



BLACK ALDER. — {Prinos verticillatus.) 

{Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Deobstruent, 
Tonic, Althelmintic. 



[Medical ZTses.'] — Black Alder furnishe's a suitable wash for 
ulcers, and a very strengthening and purifying internal medi- 
cine ; moreover, is well calculated for persons afflicted with a 
debilitated habit of body. It removes all obstructions and 
impurities of the blood, arrests bleeding at the lungs, etc. 

Some combine the bark of the root with yellow dock, and 
sarsaparilla, and prepare it as a beverage. The decoction of 
the bark expels worms, and taken with honey is very useful in 
hoarseness or disorders of the chest. 



24 people's physician. 

BLACKBEUUY.'~-(Buhus oecidentaZis) 
{Pro;pertles.) — Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. 



[Medical Uses.'] — A decoction of the buds, leaves, and 
brauches while they are green, is very good in cases of quinsy, 
and putrid, ulcerous sore throat. The flowers are exceedingly 
astringent, and thereby very profitable to arrest the bloody 
flux, and hemoptysis or spittiug of blood, 

A decoction of the bark of the root is useful in gravel com- 
plaints. 

The dried, ripe berries, made into a tea, is a remedy for 
the dysentery and piles ; likewise a decoction of the bark is 
very efiective in diarrhea and dysentery. A beverage made 
of the dried berries, used cold, is good in fevers. The powder 
of the bark of the root and of the leaves is a very serviceable 
application for cankers and ulcers attended with excessive 
discharge. 

The fruit dried, or preserved, is of great use in families, and 
should be kept throughout the year. 

The following recipe is invaluable for internal cankers, and 
all kinds of humors : — Take Blackberry root bark, gold thread, 
winter green or pipsissewa — of each one ounce — boil out the 
strength, strain and add to it one pound of honey ; then boil 
it down to a sirup. 

Dose. — A table spoonful three times a day an hour before 



eating. 



BLACK COHOSH.— {Macrotrys racemosa.) 

{Properties.) — Astringent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Ner- 
vine, Sudorific. 

\_Medical Uses.l — This plant is also called rattle-weed.^ 
hlaclC'Snalce root, squaw-root., etc., and is much used by the 
Indians to facilitate parturition or child-birth, hence its name. 




Macrotrys [Botrophis] Racemosa, (Black Cohosh.) 




Leptandria Virginica, (Black-root.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 25 

The root is an excellent tonic, and sustains a high reputation 
as a remedy in the treatment of fever and ague, small-pox, 
coughs, consumptions, rheumatic disorders ; and is likewise 
a powerful emmenagogue. It is used by way of decoction, 
tincture, or powder. 

Dose. — Of the tincture a tea-spoonful three times a day. Of 
the powder a tea-spoonful three times a day, and of the de- 
coction a wine glassful three times a day. 



*ELA.Q'K-'ROOTl.—{LeptandTiaYirginica.) 
{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Cathaktic, Diaphoretic, Tonic. 



[^Medical Uses^ — This plant, otherwise called Culverts 
physic.^ howman-root^ 'brinton-root. etc., is esteemed as a mild 
and very efficient purge in pleurisy, typhoid and bilious fevers ; 
is excellent in derangement of the stomach or bowels, and to 
purify the blood. 

Dose. — A heaping tea-spoonful taken in a tea-cup half 
filled with boiling water, and repeated every two hours until 
it operates. 



BLACK-SKAKE ^0<Jl.—{CimiGifuga'racemosa,) 
(Properties^ — Alterative, Deobstruent, Narcotic. 



Description. — This plant rises with a herbaceous stem, vary- 
ing from three to five feet in hight, set with large leaves, 
consisting of ternates or triple divisions, composed of oblong 
leaflets, broader near the base, cut in and toothed on the edges. 
It bears white flowers, arranged in a racemous form, which 
appear in June and July. The root is black on the exterior, 
containing rootlets and fibers. It grows in different parts of 
the United States, about woods and in fertile soils. 
4 



26 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — It has proved of great use in St. Yitus' 
dance, convulsions, chronic lameness, acute rheumatism, 
scrofulous diseases, dropsy, coughs, or affections of the lung3 
and chest. It is a well tested remedy in hysteria and nervous 
headache, and furnishes an excellent poultice or cataplasm 
for inflammations. An ounce and a half of the powdered 
root should be put into a bottle containing a quart of Holland 
gin. It is likewise used by way of sirup for affections of the 
chest and lungs. 

Dose, — According to the strength of the patient, but usually 
a table spoonful four times a day. 



BLESSED limSTLY..—{Centaurea lenedicta) 



{Properties.) — Deobstruent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febri- 
fuge, Tonic. 



Description. — This plant, otherwise called Carduus Bene- 
dictus, gives rise to an annual herbaceous stem, some two feet 
in hight, branched near the summit, set with dentate leaves 
or formed in jags on the edges and armed with prickles, on 
the upper disk of a lucid green, and hoary beneath, elliptical 
in form, or smaller at the base and termination. It produces 
yellow flowers, which appear in June. 

Medical Uses. — It is a valuable remedy in vertigo or diz- 
ziness, jaundice and biliary diseases — imparts new tone to the 
system, and clears the blood of impurities. The decoction of 
the leaves, the part chiefly used in medicine, drank persist- 
ingly, obviates excessive redness of the face, ring worms, or 
tetters, boils and malignant sores. It is useful in quartan 
agues, in all fevers, and hypochondriac affections. Likewise 
employed by way of drops cures deafness. 

When taken in powder, the dose should be varied from one- 
fourth, to an even tea-spoonful, according to the age and con- 
stitution of the patient. 




Caulophyllum Thalicitroides, (Blue Cohosh.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



27 



BLOOD-EOOT. — {Sanguinaria canadensis) 



{Properties.) — Alterative, Diaphoretic, Deobstkuent, 
Expectorant, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. — The popular name of this plant is pnccoon, 
or red puccoon. It is a small, perennial plant, which we often 
see in the woods of the West and elsewhere, usually rising 
with one leaf and a single bare flower stalk from the root, sur- 
mounted by a single flower. The leaf is cleft at the base, 
broad, somewhat roundish, gashed into lobes, unequally in- 
dented, of a pale green on the upper surface, and of a sea 
green beneath. The root is brownish on the exterior, and red 
within, fibrous, and somewhat abruptly terminated. The flower 
is white, shaded with pink, expanded, appearing about the 
month of April. 

Medical Uses. — This root when administered in large 
doses is purgative, and actively produces emesis or vomiting. 

Dose. — Between twelve and twenty-four grains. 

But given in moderate doses, it stimulates and imparts re- 
newed circulation to the blood, restores impaired appetite, 
strengthens the stomach, and gives vigor to the digestive 
organs. 

It proves a preventive of chills and fever, and is much used 
in cases of croup, sore throat, coughs, colds-, and influenza — 
in pneumonia, and pleurisy fevers. The root of this plant is 
the only part used in medicine. 



BLUE-COHOSH.— ( CaulophyUum tTialictrodes.) 
{Properties!) — Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue. 



Medical Uses. — This plant, otherwise called squaw-root or 
hlue-lerry.^ is very extensively used by the Indians to facili- 



2S people's physician. 

tate parturition, and for this purpose an infusion should be 
used as a drink, during the last month of pregnancy. 

It is likewise esteemed very highly in colic, hysterics, 
cholera morbus, epilepsy, and other species of fits, rheumatism, 
etc. It may be used, moreover, in form of tincture or sirup. 
The dose of tincture is from five to ten grains. 



BLUE FLAG.— (7m versicolor,) 
(Properties.) — Diuretic, Cathartic, Emetic. 



Description. — Blue Flag has a stem two feet in hight, or 
more, roundish on one side and sharp on the other. The 
leaves invest the stem at their base, striated or streaked. The 
flowers are of a blue color, or presenting a purple hue — vary- 
ing in color. The seed vessel is three-sided and has three 
divisions, containing a large number of flat seed. It is found 
in low, wet grounds, displaying its flowers in June. The root 
is perennial, thick, and fibrous. 

Medical Uses. — The root holds a high reputation for ex- 
pelling every species of humors, or mercurial taints from the 
system. It is very useful in fevers and dropsy. 

Dose. — From one to two-thirds of a tea spoonful of the 
powder, three times a day. 

For rheumatism, put two ounces of Blue Flag root into a 
pint and a half of Holland gin, and take a table spoonful 
three times a day, gradually increasing to a double dose. 



BLUE LOBELIA.— {Zohelia sypUlitica.) 

{Properties) — Antisyphilitic, Cathartic, Diuretic, Emet- 
ic, Sudorific 

Medical Uses.- — This plant is also called blue cardinal- 
flower. The root of this species of lobelia, is the part used 




Lobelia Syphilitica, (Blue Lobelia.) 




Scutellaria Lateriflora, (Blue Skullcap.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 29 

in medicine. It tastes like tobacco, is emetic, and a drastic 
purge. 

It is generally found in the Western and Southern States. 
A decoction of the root has acquired much popularity as an 
antisyphilitic, from which it derived its name. It has, more- 
over, been highly extolled in the cure of dropsy, diarrhea, 
and dysentery. 

Do^e. — From half to a whole tea spoonful of the pulverized 
root, taken in water three or four times a day. 



BLUE mV^lA.Q>KY.— {Scutellaria latenflora.) 
{Properties.) — Nervine, Sudorific, Tonic. 



Description. — This plant rises with a square, upright stem, 
between one and a half and three feet in hight, with lateral 
branches containiug a few small leaves. Leaves broadest to- 
ward the base, sharply notched on the edges, and oppositely 
arranged. It has a stringy, yellowish root, — and is found 
about meadows and woods, producing flowers in the summer 
season. 

Medical Uses. — Its property as a nervine is of high repu- 
tation, and it can be administered in all cases with perfect 
safety, by way of infusion or a tea. 

Among other good qualities, it is eminently useful to pre- 
vent the ill effects of hydrophobia, in which it is said to have 
been successful in numerous cases. 

It obviates neuralgic affections of the head and face, tre- 
moi-s, and all nervous difficulties — determines to the surface, 
or promotes perspiration, thus keeping the emunctories of the 
skin open and free in the performance of their healthy office. 
It imparts strength and tone to the system. 

In cases of St. Yitus' dance, and cbills and fever, the first 
step to be taken, is to cleanse the stomach and bowels by a 
brisk cathartic or purgative, which is very essential in effect- 
ing a cure, being followed by the use of the former medicine. 



30 people's physician. 

BOI^ESET. — ( Eupatorium perfoliatum.) 
{Properties.) — Emetic, Laxative, Scdorific, Tonic. 



Description. — Boneset, soDietimes called thorougJiwor-t^ 
stai-ts up with round, upright, pubescent stems, rising frequent- 
ly, three, four, and even five feet in hight, spreading at the 
top into three parts. The leaves are opposite, broadest and 
united at the base, diminishing to a pointed termination, each 
couple above being transverse to the pair next below, seiTated 
or notched on the edges, wrinkled, and of a hoary green. It 
produces white flowers at the top, disposed in a corymbous 
form, or rising on their peduncles in clusters to an even sur- 
face. It is found in low, wet, moist grounds, or by water 
courses, displaying its flowers during summer and autumn. 

Medical Uses. — This is one of those plants which possess 
very eminent qualities. 

A tea, taken warm, acts as an emetic — and employed as a 
cold beverage, acts as an excellent tonic in cases of dyspepsia, 
beins: sli2;htlv laxative ; and is invaluable for indis-estion of 
aged persons. 

There is a plant in South America, the Eupatorium Aya- 
pana, which possesses a strong sudorific quality, and is held 
in high estimation by the natives as an active repellent of the 
virus communicated from the bites of poisonous reptiles. They 
bruise the leaves, apply them to the wound, and give to the 
patient, at frequent intervals, doses of the expressed juice. 
Our plant, Boneset, is considered by eminent physicians to 
produce similar efiects. 

It eflfects the cure and is a preventive of intermittents or 
chills and fever. The patient should drink freely of the de- 
coction or tea three times a day, in the interim, or before the 
approach of the paroxysms. It is used with good success 
in yellow fever, determining the virus of the disease to the 
surface by means of perspiration, thereby throwing it oflT. 

Prepared in candy or sirup with sugar or molasses, it is ex* 



MATERIA MEDICA. 31 

cellent for conglis and colds, soreness of the lungs and chest. 
Moderate doses, taken very often, open the emunctories or 
pores of the skin, and impart a healthy perspiration. 

Boneset, as has been observed, possesses rare merits, and 
requires only to be sufficiently known, to be justly appreciated. 

Administered in an emetic, and purgative form, it cleanses 
the stomach of all morbific or biliary matter. 



BOEAGE. — {Borago officinalis.) 



(Properties.) — Cardiac, Diaphoretic, Pectoral, Tonic. 



Description. — Borage has leaves alternately arranged, 
broadest toward the lower extremity, and with a pointed ter- 
mination. It is found in gardens, and frequently in neglected, 
uncultivated places, producing elegant blue flowers through 
the summer. 

Medical Uses. — It furnishes a remarkable cordial, and 
strengthens nature exceedingly. The leaves and roots are 
used with great advantage in putrid, malignant, epidemic 
fevers, to protect the system against the attacks, and counter- 
act the virus of such diseases. The leaves and flowers are 
peculiarly efficacious in the removal of melancholy or depres- 
sion of spirits, in correcting the blood, and mitigating im- 
moderate heat in fevers. 

The flowers, prepared into a conserve, are chiefly used as a 
cordial for patients in protracted sickness, attended with 
weakness and general debility — to raise the spirits of the con- 
sumptive, and reinvigorate persons subject to fainting or 
swooning. 

The distilled water is very good for redness or inflamma- 
tion of the eyes. The ashes of the dried herb is said to be 
available, boiled with some water and honey, in inflammation 
and aphthous or cankerous afiections of the mouth and throat. 



32 people's physician. 

The roots of Borage prepared with sugar or honey to a thicJs 
consistency, are effectual for coughs and catarrh on the chest. 



BROOKLIME.— ( Veronica heocahunga.) 



{Properties.) — Alterative, Antiscorbutic, Discutient, Di 

URETIC, EmMENAGOGUE. 



Description. — Brooklime has a perennial, jointed, creeping 
root, stringy at each joint. The stem is of a reddish brown, 
round and sappy, set with thick, green, oval leaves, arranged in 
couplets or in pairs. From the midst of these rise racemous, 
lateral spikes of small, blue, pentapetalous flowers. It is a 
warm, pungent plant, found in ponds or watery places ; pro- 
ducing flowers in June and July. 

Medical Uses. — A combination of Brooklime, water-cres- 
ses, and other similar plants, should be used in diet drinks, to 
cleanse the blood of all offensive humors which tend to destroy 
the health or constitution. 

It is very excellent for scurvy — promotes urinary secretions 
and obviates calculous formations — procures the menses — ex- 
pels the dead fetus. This plant, moreover, being fried with 
butter and vinegar, as a warm application, is beneficial for 
tumors, swellings, or inflammations. 



BBYO^Y.— (Bryonia alia.) 



{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Cathartic, Cephalic, Dis- 
cutient, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Pectoral. 



Medical Uses. — Bryony acts as a powerful purgative in 
evacuating the bowels ; being an extremely powerful medi- 
cine, it should be administered in a corrected form ; when 



MATERIA MEDICA. 33 

corrected it is highly beneficial in disorders of the head, as 
catarrh, epilepsy, vertigo, etc., — cramps, convulsions, palsied 
affections, tumefaction, enlargement and obstructions of the 
spleen. 

A level tea spoonful of the powder taken in Holland gin 
procures the courses, expels the dead fetus, and may be used 
in dropsical and gravel complaints. 

The root prepared into a thick consistency with honey, pow- 
erfully cleanses the chest of foul mucus or phlegm, — is remark- 
ably efficacious in colds, influenza on the lungs and chest — in 
chronic, inveterate coughs, and asthmatic complaints. It is 
very good for persons having received internal bruises or in- 
juries. The root, moreover, obviates gangrenous tendencies, 
and furnishes a serviceable application to maturate or promote 
the discharge of boils. For sores, cankers, ring-w^orms, or 
tetters, freckles and imperfections of the skin, the administra- 
tion should be external. 



BVBI)OCK.—{Arctum lappa.) 

(Properties.) — Alterative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sudo- 
rific, Tonic. 

Description. — It is very common, and may be easily dis- 
tinguished by its large, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves, and 
round burs, which contain the seeds. It is found by ditch 
sides, or highways, among rubbish, and in waste, neglected 
grounds ; producing flowers of a purple color in the months 
of July and August. 

Medical Uses. — The leaves are cooling, cleansing, moder- 
ately drying, and discutient, therefore, they are effectual for 
chronic sores and ulcers. Burdock leaves, bruised, saturated 
in warm vinegar, and bound to the soles of the feet, are of 
excellent use in fevers. The same, bruised with the white of 
an egg and applied to burns, afford present relief and effect a 
cure. A decoction of the leaves employed as a wash in can- 



34 people's physician. 

kers and sores, stays their tendency to fret or corrode, which 
should afterward be dressed with an ointment composed of the 
same, hog's lard, nitre, and vinegar, boiled together. 

A strong decoction of the root or seeds of Burdock, yellow 
dock root, pipsissewa or winter green, taken daily with a 
little wine, an hour before eating, for the space of two months, 
will cure the jaundice, dropsy, nephritic and rheumatic dis- 
orders, scrofula, and remove all impurities of the blood. The 
roots may be preserved in sugar and taken in diarrhea, con- 
sumptions, or disorders of the chest and lungs, and in other 
cases requiring internal medicine. A tea spoonful of the 
powdered root, taken with pine kernels, helps persons troubled 
with spitting of blood, or foul mattery, blood-streaked expec- 
toration. 



BUTTER CJJF. —{Banunculus hulhosus.) 

Description. — This plant gives rise to upright, herbaceous 
stems, each bearing a number of solitary, resplendent yellow 
flowers ; in hight from eight to fifteen inches, and set with 
ternate, sessile leaves, or leaves composed of three leaflets, 
which are lobed and notched, those near the top being less 
divided. The leaves growing from the root stand on long 
footstalks. Petals or leaves of the flowers, inversely heart- 
shaped, or broader at the top and smaller at the base. Calyx, 
five cleft, with lanceolate acuminate leaflets. The flowers 
usually appear in April, May and June. 

Medical Uses. — This acrid, fiery plant is never suitable to 
be used internally, but is of great utility in drawing blisters, 
and may be applied to the nape of the neck to withdraw 
catarrhal inflammation of the eyes. An ointment should be 
made of the leaves and flowers to form the vesicant or blister- 
ing plaster. The herb bruised and mixed with a little mustard 
draws a blister, as well and as perfectly as cantharides, and 
without injury to the urinary organs, which cantharides, not 
unfrequently, tend to harm. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 35 

Tliis plant has been applied to the locality of a malignant 
rising, considered past cure, and it saved life, even beyond 
hope. 



BUTTEENUT, or WHITE '^^.l.'^^3T.—{Juglans cinerea.) 
{Properties.) — Alterative, Cathartic. 



Medical Uses. — This is a well-known tree, abounding in 
various northern sections of the United States. The bark 
is peculiarly adapted to cases of constipation or costiveness ; 
and used in diarrhea and dysentery whenever cathartic effect 
is required. 

This medicine in its course of operation is accompanied 
with no inconvenience or weakening effects. It may be used 
by way of decoction or extract. Ten grains of the extract is 
a gentle laxative, and twenty-five grains a cathartic. 



CAKAWAY. — {Oarum carui.) 
{Properties^ — Aromatic, Carminative, 'Stomachic. 



Description. — Caraway sends up an herbaceous stem, less 
in hight than that of the carrot, branched at the top, set 
with finely cut bipinnate leaves, somewhat resembling those 
of the carrot, yet not so bushy, and bearing small, white, 
umbelliferous flowers. It yields seeds of a dark color, smaller 
than those of anise, of an aromatic odor, and a warm, pungent 
taste — having a white, taper root, esculent or eatable when 
young. The flowers usually appear in June and July. 

Medical Uses. — Caraway seed is an excellent carminative 
and diuretic ; the herb, likewise, shares the same qualities. 
5 



36 people's physician. 

The roots are a healthy food for the stomach, promotiDg a 
wholesome digestion, and eaten like parsnips, remarkably 
strengthen the stomachs of aged persons. 

The herb bruised and boiled, simply, or together with the 
seeds, and applied hot between a double cloth to the lower 
part of the bowels, relieves wind colic. The seed is con- 
ducive to remove cold affections of the head and stomach. 



CABIiOT.—WiLB.—{Daucus carota.) 
{Properties.) — Diuretic, Deobstruent. 



Description. — The Wild Carrot presents a concave, umbelli- 
ferous inflorescence, having large umbels of small, white 
flowers at the top of the stem, which is usually between two 
and three feet in hight. The leaves at the bottom are large, 
and like those above, finely cut or composed of linear, pointed 
leaflets. It has a long, taper root, produces flowers and seeds 
the last of summer. 

Medical Uses. — The leaves or seeds, used by way of in- 
fusion, remove pains and stitches in the side — are useful in 
dropsy, colic, inflations of the abdomen, and gravel com- 
plaints. An external application of the leaves combined 
with honey, cleanses and heals exuding ulcers, or those attended 
with excessive discharge. The grated carrot is employed in 
form of a poultice for cancers, after having been boiled to a 
soft consistency. 



CKT^IV .—{ISFepeta cataria.) 



{Properties) — Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stomachic, 
Nervine, Sudorific, Tonic. 



Description. — This plant, otherwise called catmint.^ is a 
well-known garden herb, having a square stalk, two or three 




Nkpbta Cataeia, (Oat-mint.) 




Capsicum Annuum, (Cajenne Pepper.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 37 

feet in higlit, branched, set with two leaves at each joint, 
broadest toward the base, and diminishing to a point ; notched 
or nicked on the edges, green on the upper, and somewhat 
hoary on the inferior disk or surface. It produces light pur- 
ple flowers, formed in tufts, which appear in July or near 
that time. 

Medical Uses, — The merits of this very common herb are 
not adequately known and appreciated. It is used with re- 
markable success, by way of infusion, for influenza, cold in the 
head, or on the chest and lungs ; coughs and shortness of 
breath, flatulency, vertigo or dizziness; weakness of the 
stomach and internal injuries; cramps and rheumatic dis- 
orders. 

As a beverage it strengthens the nervous system exceed- 
ingly ; and taken by the patient in bed is highly useful in 
fevers, throwing ofl* the heat by determining to the surface 
or inducing perspiration, and often prevents a threatened 
fever. It is likewise useful in diarrhea, and for children in 
time of teething. An application of the leaves is of very 
great benefit for bruises and swellings ; or, an ointment made 
of the same, is employed with advantage for the piles. The 
mode of use should be warm for all the above purposes. 



CAYENNE PEPPEE.— ((7a^5^Vwm annuum.) 
{Properties.) — Eubefacient, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — There are many varieties of capsicum^ 
which are known under the name of cayenne pepper. It is 
estimated that there are cultivated in Europe, and in the 
United States, from fifteen to twenty-five difierent varieties. 
When Cayenne Pepper is used to excess, it debilitates the 
digestive organs. In the practice of medicine, it is a powerful 
and useful stimulant ; and is very advantageously given in 



38 people's physician. 

paralysis, choleras, violent hemorrhages, severe cases of 
dysentery, and in cases of low fevers. It is likewise very 
serviceable in dyspepsia or weak digestion, and as a gargle 
in the putrid sore throat of scarlet fever. 



CELAl^BINE.—iChelidomura majus.) 

{Properties.) — Apekient, DeobstpwUent, Diaphoretic, Diu- 
EETic, Hepatic. 

Description. — Celandine frequently rises with stalks not 
ftir from two feet in hight, though sometimes less, bearing 
bright yellow flowers, and furnished with pinnate leaves of 
a dark glaucous green color on the upper surface, and of a 
light hue beneath. The flowers usually appear through the 
summer. It is found by old walls, or in waste places. 

Medical Uses. — This plant possesses valuable merit in 
afiections of the eyes ; and some of the most desperate cases 
have been cured by an oil or ointment prepared from the herb. 
The expressed juice has been successfully employed as an 
eye-water, in opacity of the cornea, or films intercepting the 
sight. A decoction of Celandine and a few anise seed, re- 
moves hepatic obstructions and jaundice, — is efiectual when 
persistingly used, in dropsy and scrofulous sores. The ex- 
pressed juice frequently applied to cankers, warts, ring- worms 
or tetters, speedily efi^ects their cure; and combined with 
sulphur, as an external application, clears the skin of all 
discolorings. 



CEl^TAURY.— ((7A^Vonz'c^ angularis.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Stomachic, Tonic 



Description. — This fine, small plant rises with a stem a 
foot or more in hight, spreading above into many shoots — 



MATERIA MEDICA, 39 

the flowers thus stand at the top in one nrabel, or corymb, of 
a pale red, tending to carnation color. These are followed 
by small, short pericarps or seed-vessels, containing seeds. 
The leaves are small, opposite, ovate, with a pointed termin- 
ation, and somewhat amplexicaul, or partially embracing the 
stem at their base. The root is small and hard. It is found 
in pastures, fields, and woods, producing flowers in July and 
August. 

Medical Uses. — This plant, in all its parts, among other 
qualities, possesses a very bitter taste, and is well calculated 
as a preventive of intermittents, or what is commonly called 
*' fever and ague," — is beneficial in jaundice or biliary dis- 
eases, and expels worms. An external application, formed of 
the bruised herb, is of excellent service in recent cuts or 
wounds, and proves curative, moreover, in ulcers and sores 
of long standing, even though they have become fistulous or 
hollow. The decoction of the plant, employed as a lotion or 
wash, obviates freckles and blemishes of the skin, cures tinea 
capitis or scald head, and other herpetic disorders. 

Boiling water should be poured upon the herb, — when cold, 
add a little wine. This furnishes an excellent tonic for the 
stomach — or put some of the herb in a covered glass of cold 
water, permitting it to stand in the sun twenty-four hours, — 
this medicine is curative for canker, and impurities of the 
blood. 

Dose. — A table spoonful four times a day. If preferred, 
the dose may be taken in powder, from one to two-thirds of a 
tea spoonful. 



CHAMOMILE.— (^n^A^m?^ nohilis.) 



{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Discdtient, Febrifuge, Su- 
dorific, Tonic. 



Description. — Chamomile has round, bending, slender 
stems, a foot or more in length, furnished with bipinnate or 



40 people's physician. 

much divided leaves. It produces compound, radiated, white 
flowers, with a yellow center, solitary or separately arranged. 
The roots are perennial, and extend or spread. It is cultivated 
in flower gardens, appearing in flower in the months of July 
and August. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction or drink of Chamomile, re- 
moves pains and stiches in the sides; taken warm with the 
addition of some spirits — promotes perspiration, expels colds, 
mitigates aches and pains, and procures the menses — is useful 
in cases of languor or debility, in diarrhea or dysentery, and 
for children in time of teethino^. 

A sirup of Cliamomile, combined with white wine, is a 
remedy for dropsy, swelling of the bowels, jaundice or biliary 
complaints. The flowers, beaten and made into pills, with oil 
of Chamomile, remove all kinds of intermitteuts or agues, if 
the patient, at the same time, be rubbed with the oil, retire to 
bed and sweat freely. There is no application more profitable 
than this for the region of the liver, spleen, or overstrained 
sides. The oil, moreover, is valuable in hard swellings, per- 
ishing or contracted limbs, cramps or pains in the joints. 

The flowers are the part used in medicine, and are used, in 
lieu of quinine, as a curative medicine, in intermittent and 
nervous fevers. 



QYLIG'K-'WYED.—Cerastiiim vulgaticm) 
{Properties) — Discutient, Emmollient, Refrigerant. 



Description. — The common Chick-weed, with white flowers, 
afibrds a remarkable instance of the sleep of plants, for at night 
the leaves approach in pairs, and inclose the tender rudi- 
ments of the young shoots. — Encyc.^ Wiseman. 

The stems, with protuberant nodes or joints, are set with 
opposite, undivided leaves. It is found usually in moist, 
waste grounds, producing flowers about June. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 41 

Medical Uses. — The leaves are nutritive or nourishing, and 
are considered a superior aliment for patients of a cachectic 
habit of body — moreover, applied frequently by way of a warm 
poultice, they relieve the toothache, and are of service in 
swollen breasts. The herb, bruised, and repeatedly bound 
fresh to the region of the liver, abates inflammation of that 
organ. The juice may be employed in the piles, cutaneous 
affections, redness and inflammation of the eyes, and in cases 
of irritative or virulent ulcers in any part of the body. 

A poultice, formed of the leaves, boiled with marsh-mal- 
lows and linseed, applied to abscesses or tumors, ripens and 
breaks them, — subdues the swelling and pain. 

A liniment, formed after the following manner, possesses 
remarkable efficacy in relaxing contracted muscles and re- 
lieving perishing limbs : — Boil Chick-weed, and dried red rose 
leaves, a handful of each, in a quart of vinegar, until a fourth 
part is evaporated, — then add a pint of oil of sheeps' feet, 
boil well, strain, and rub it on briskly to the part affected, 
warming by the fire — immediately after, bind on the leaves 
with the liniment. It will afford relief after a few applica- 
tions. 



Qm(:iTJY.YOll..—{Potentilla re^ptans) 

(Properties) — Astringent, Disgutient, Febkifuge, Refri- 
gerant. 

Description. — Cinquefoil, often called five-fingered grass^ 
is a creeping plant, spreading with long, slender runners, after 
the manner of the strawberry, having slender, bending stems, 
leaves serrated or notched on the edges, and usually set by 
fives on a common petiole. It produces yellow flowers, which 
appear during the summer months. The root is of a dark 
brown color, less in diameter than ones little finger, yet long 
and somewhat fibrous. It is found in the borders of fields 
and woods, or by pathways in pastures. 



42 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — The powder, taken from one half to a tea 
spoonful at a dose, or the decoction of the root, seldom fails to 
effect the cure of intermittent fevers or agues. It is useful in 
other fevers, night sweats, general debility, and inflammations 
— cools and regulates the blood, or corrects the acrimony of 
the humors, — is likewise used by way of gargle in sore mouths, 
or as a lotion in cankers, ulcers, or fistulas, and corrupt sores 
attended with profuse discharge. 

About a gill of the expressed juice taken daily, for several 
days in succession, cures the quinsy and jaundice — and taken 
for six weeks cures epilepsy or fits. 

A beverage of the roots, boiled in milk, is one of the most 
effectual remedies in diarrhea, dysentery, ^loody flux, fluor 
albus, inordinate menses, and other preternatural discharges. 
The juice or decoction, with some honey, relieves hoarseness 
and coughs. The roots boiled in vinegar, and employed as an 
external application, allays scirrhous swellings in any part of 
the flesh, inflammations, erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, ab- 
scesses, painful sores accompanied with heat, or of a putres- 
cent tendency, herpes zoster or shingles, itch, etc. An infusion 
of the same in wine, used both internally and externally, ob- 
viates rheumatic disorders, and alleviates pains of the bowels. 

The roots should be combined with others adapted to the 
purpose, and employed both internally and externally for rup- 
tures, contusions, wounds or injuries resulting from falls. A 
strong decoction of the roots and leaves is considered to be a 
very good wash for palsied hands, being often used, and per- 
mitted to be absorbed or dried into the skin. 



CLARY. — {Salvia sclarea.) 
{Properties) — Discutient, Errhixe, Stimulant, Stomachic. 



Description. — Clary has square stems, and wrinkled, hoary., 
pubescent, green leaves, arranged in pairs. The flowers are 




Galium Aparine [Aspeeula.] (Cleavers.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 43 

of a whitish blue, disposed at stated spaces in axillary cymes, 
after the manner of sage : — after these follow brownish, and 
somewhat flat seeds. The root is annual, blackish, and slight- 
ly spreading. It is found in gardens, producing flowers in 
June and July, the seeds maturing in August. 

Medical Uses. — The mucilage of the seeds, prepared in 
water, as an external applicaton, disperses tumors or swellings. 
The leaves, applied with vinegar, alleviates the pain, and 
abates the inflammation of boils and felons. The powder of the 
root, used as a cephalic snufi*, removes catarrhal afiections of 
the head. An infusion of the seeds, or leaves in wine, obvi- 
ates weakness of the back, or kidneys, warms and strengthens 
the stomach, aids digestion, and abates inflammation of the 
throat. The distilled water is said to possess valuable merits 
for red, inflamed, weeping or watery eyes, and it is said, 
moreover, that one of the seeds of Clary, put into the eye and 
being permitted to remain until it shall have dropped out of 
itself, will remove motes, extraneous matter or humors, and 
even specks on the cornea, or films obstructing the sight, when 
the process is persistingly repeated. At all events, it is a per- 
fectly safe and easy remedy. 



CLEAVERS OR GOOSE GV.A^^.— {Galium aparine.) 



{Properties.) — Astringent, Antiscorbutic, Discutient, Di- 
uretic, Deobstruent. 



Description. — This plant has a slender, square, herbaceous 
stem, procumbent, or not rising much unless supported, set 
w^th leaves at the joints in a verticillate manner, somewhat 
in a star-like form, and producing minute white flowers on 
thready footstalks. The pericarp or seed vessel is two celled, 
containing two seeds, which, as well as the stems and leaves, 
cleaves to any thing coming in contact. The root is small, 
fibrous, and spreading. It is found by ditch sides, hedge sides, 
and at times is very annoying in some gardens. Its time of 



44 people's physician. 

floweriDg is in June or Jnlj, and the seeds mature in August, 
bj which it is propagated, and not by its roots. 

Medical Uses. — The distilled water, or an infusion of this 
plant, taken twice a day before eating, is excellent in jaun- 
dice, diarrhea and dysentery. The juice, bruised leaves, or 
powders, are effective in chronic ulcers, arrests the bleeding 
of wounds, and facilitates their cure. An ointment prepared 
from the leaves, with hog's lard, is unsurpassed in glandular 
swellings or scrofula of the throat. 

Cleavers is highly valuable in congestion of the spleen, in 
nephritic, or gravel complaints, and scorbutic maladies — it 
strengthens the liver and purifies the blood. 

The plant should be put in a tight or covered vessel of cold 
water or spirits, being placed aside for use, and never pre- 
pared by fire. 



CLOYE, CAKXATION Vi:srK.—{Dlanthus caryoj>hyllu8) 

{Proj)erties.) — Cakdiac, Cephalic, Toxic. 



Description. — It has smooth, branched, upright, jointed, 
slender stems, of a sea-green color, one foot or more in higbt, 
and furnished at the joints with short, narrow leaves of the 
same color, arranged in couplets. The flowers are single, or 
placed separately at the termination of the branches, of a light 
red color, with laciniate or frini2:e-like maro^ins. This frasrrant 
plant, so pleasing to the eye and so grateful to the smell, is 
extensive in our flower gardens. 

Medical Uses. — The flowei*s of the Carnation Pink are 
very strengthening in infirmities of the brain and heart — and 
may be employed in the form of cordials and cephalic medi- 
cines, as occasion requires. A sirup or conserve made of theso 
flowers tends much to assist or support nature, in cases of 
consumptions. It is likewise excellent in burning, malignant 
fevers. 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 45 

CLOYEH OR HONEY S^JCKLY„—{Trifolium pratciise.) 
{Pro^perties^ — Antispasmodic, Discutient, Pectoral. 



Medical Uses. — The leaves and heads employed by way of 
infusion relieve pains of the bowels, and formed into a poultice 
abate inflammations. It is said the expressed juice is useful 
when applied to films of the eyes, — that it subdues the heat, 
redness, or inflammation of the same. Clover boiled in hog's 
lard and made into an ointment, is of service for stings, bites, 
and wounds. A poultice formed of the decoction of the seeds 
and flowers, with some oil, may be used for swellings and 
abscesses. 



COLIC 1X0011.— {Liatris spicata.) - 



{Properties) — Anodyne, CarminativEj Diuretic, Stimu- 
lant, Sudorific. 

Medical Uses. — Colic root, otherwise called lutton snalce- 
Toot^ deviVs hit., etc., is a plant which we often find in the 
praries of the Western States. When taken in warm decoc- 
tion, it is very warming to the stomach, and particularly 
serviceable in flatulency, colic, dropsy, back-ache, etc. 



001.T^-'FOOT,—(,Tussilagofarfara.) 

{Properties.) — Demulcent, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Pec- 
toral. 



Description. — The leaves of this plant are of a roundish 
form, cleft at the base, obtusely terminating, resembling a 
heart, sometimes slightly indented, and of a lucid green 
6 



46 people's physician. 

on the upper, and whitish on the under surface — standing on 
footstalks which proceed directly from the root. The stems 
are creased, pubescent or downy, having a number of small, 
rough leaves, closely clasping the caulis or stem, each of 
which is terminated by a compound, yellow flower, appearing 
early in the spring, and not unfrequently prior to the rise of 
the roundish, heart-shaped leaves, from the root: — this is 
small, white, and widely spreading. Colt's-foot is found, 
usually, in wet or moist grounds. 

Medical Uses. — A sirup prepared from an infusion of the 
leaves, is very valuable in dry coughs, influenza, dyspnoea or 
asthma, and other pulmonary complaints. The dried leaves, 
used in the form of tobacco, are much better, in bronchitis 
and catarrh, on the chest. The distilled water of Colt's-foot, 
simply, or together with elder flowers, is a superior remedy 
in ague and fever, where heat predominates, administered 
half a gill at a dose, applying cloths, in the meantime, satur- 
ated in some, to the head and stomach. The same is useful 
in St. Anthony's fire, burns or scalds, piles, and in any swell- 
ings characterized by heat or inflammation. 



COLUMBO. — ( Cocuhis palmatus.) 
(Properties}) — Antispeptic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — As a tonic, unaccompanied with astring- 
ency, and possessing little stimulus, it has been recommended 
in phthisis and hectic fever, to allay irritability and strengthen 
the digestive organs, and also to allay the nausea and vomit- 
ing which accompany pregnancy. 

This root may be procured at the drug stores. It is admin- 
istered in powder, from twelve grains to a third of a tea 
spoonful, every three or five hours. It obviates weakness at 
the stomach, cholera morbus, — and is much used in dyspeptic 
and consumptive complaints, — or in a languid and prostrated 



MATERIA MEDICA. 4T 

state of the system — in diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic dis- 
orders — being a valuable tonic. 



COMFREY. — {SyrnpJiytum officinale.) 



{Properties) — Balsamic, Demulcent, Expectorant, Pec- 

TOKAL. 



Description. — Comfrey chiefly delights in moist or humid 
grounds, is usually cultivated in gardens, and sends up at 
first large, hairy, green leaves, having a sharp, extended 
termination ; among these rises an angular stalk, branched, 
and hairy like the leaves, two feet or more in hight, furnished 
with alternate leaves, gradually diminishing in size as they 
approximate the summit. The flowers are formed in spikes, 
somewhat long and hollow, bearing some resemblance to the 
finger of a glove, — of a very pale straw color. It has a large, 
perennial, mucilaginous root, extending stout shoots into the 
ground, whose virtues are similar to those of the mallow. 
The time of flowering is generally in July. 

Medical Uses. — A sirup or conserve of the fresh roots of 
Comfrey is very excellent for internal weakness or injuries, 
spitting of blood, bloody urine, alvine discharges of blood or 
humors, for ulcers of the lungs, conducing to the easy expec- 
toration of the humors and phlegm oppressing them — for 
catarrhal defluxions from the head to the lungs, coughs, con- 
sumptions, and fits of agues. An application of the bruised 
roots, by way of a poultice, is highly valuable for sore breasts 
proceeding from lacteal redundancy — for recent wounds, 
swellings, or bruises, ruptures or broken bones, serving to 
consolidate or unite and heal the parts aflected. The same 
may be used to advantage to allay the heat or inflammation, 
and repress the bleeding of the piles. It is very profitable, 
moreover, in ulcers attended with profuse discharge, or of a 
gangrenous tendency. 



48 people's physician. 

CRA]N"BEREY. — ( Oxy coccus macrocaiyus.) 
{Projperties.) — Acid, AsTEI^'GE^'T, Refrigekant. 



Medical Uses. — The Cranberry is very extensively used as 
a sauce of excellent flavor, and is produced on a delicate, droop- 
ing stem, growing in boggy, swampy, or wet, peat grounds. 
Though these berries have long served as a table sauce, never- 
theless, for medical purposes, very few things have proved of 
greater utility ; and it is somesvhat surprising, that the medi- 
cal virtues of an article so much used by families, should not 
have been disclosed until within a few years — the rare proper- 
ties of which were, however, primarily discovered by the 
Indians, and the medicine has been adopted as a remedy, at- 
tended with great success, in cancers, erysipelas, and inflam- 
mations, used by way of a topical application. For cancers 
they are mashed in form of a poultice, in their fresh, crude, 
or raw state, and when very frequently renewed, will efiect a 
cure in a brief space of time. Under its peculiar, cooling, 
and drawing tendency, some soreness may succeed, neverthe- 
less, healthy granulations appear as the virus is gradually 
subdued. With respect to erysipelas, a writer states, in the 
3^ Y. Triljune^ this malignant disease is prevailing as an 
epidemic, and often proves fatal — and observes, that he was 
at first taken with headache and fever ; on the second day his 
nose became red and painful ; on the day following it had 
swollen, and the doctor pronounced it the erysipelas. The 
cranberry plaster was applied, cutting a breathing hole through 
the thick cloth, but not until the face was dreadfully swollen, 
had cracked open, and was oozing out the fetid matter — the 
plaster was kept on all night, greatly to the relief of the acute 
pain ; and in the morning, when it was removed, the disease 
was conquered, the rapid progress to the region of the brain 
had been arrested, and in all probability this saved life. It is 
observed, in the l^evj Haven Palladium^ that a complete cure 
oi erysipelas was efiected by the simple application of raw 



MATERIA MEDICA. 49 

cranberries, pounded fine. The patient was a young lady, one 
side of whose face had become so much swollen and inflamed, 
that the eye had become closed and the pain excessive. A 
poultice of cranberries was applied, and after several changes, 
the pain ceased, the inflammation subsided, and in the course 
of a couple of days, every vestige of the disease had disap- 
peared. The case occurred in the family of one of the editors 
of the Palladium^ and we can therefore vouch for the truth. 
It is stated, moreover, in the Providence Journal^ that, in 
ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, cranberries, applied as a 
poultice, will effectually cure the erysipelas. There is not an 
instance known where it has failed to effect a cure, before the 
sufferer was in a dying state. Two or three applications gen- 
erally effect a change. 

Corns may be extracted from the feet by binding on a few 
mashed cranberries, once or twice in twenty-four hours. We 
have known very annoying and painful corns removed in this 
way, in the course of a week. 



CRANE'S-BILL. — ( Geranium macidatum.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — The root of Crane's-bill fanks high as a 
very important astringent, and is more acceptable to the taste 
than many other astringent medicines. It is employed in 
chronic forms of diarrhea and dysentery, internal and exter- 
nal bleeding, leucorrhea, and in cases of flooding. 

The tincture, as an external application, is of excellent use 
in chronic ulcers, and as a wash or gargle for canker in the 
mouth, or ulcerations of the throat. The root, used as a mas- 
ticatory, or chewed, is unrivaled in diseased gums, or chronic 
looseness of the teeth. 

Dose. — Of decoction, from one half to a gill — of the pow- 
der, half tea spoonful. 



50 people's physician. 

CUTTING A.'L^101S<J).—{Partlienium integri folium.) 

Medical Uses. — This plant, otherwise called nephritic 
plants is a valuable diuretic, and particularly employed as a 
remedy in urinary diseases. The roots may be sliced, infused 
in cold water, and the quantity of a wine glassful drank four 
or five times a day. 



DxilSY. — {Leiicanthemiim vulgar e.) 
{Properties.) — Diuretic, Yulneeaky. 



Medical Uses. — The Daisy is so well known that it re- 
quires no description. The flowers are very suitable, prepared 
by way of oil, ointment, sirup, drink, or salve, for internal 
and external wounds. The juice, decoction, or distilled water, 
conduces to allay hepatic heat, obtund the acrimony of the 
bile, and invigorate the liver and other organs — is of advan- 
tage in ruptures or internal injuries, and aphthous affections of 
the mouth or throat. 

An ointment, made of the flowers, is used with very good 
success, in humory, inflamed, exuding wounds, or ulcers, by 
counteracting the profuse discharge, which prevents their cure. 
The juice is available as an eye-water, in weeping or watery 
eyes. 



DANDELION. — {Leontodon taraxacum^ 

{Properties^ — Alterative, Aperient, Deobstruent, Diu- 
EETic, Tonic. 

Description. — This plant is well recognized, as having long, 
green, deeply gashed leaves, lying upon the ground, arranged 




Parthexium Integrifolium, (Catting Almond.) 



M A T E R I A M E D I C A . 51 

around the head of the root, the end of each gash or jag in- 
clining downward. The midrib, when broken, yields, like 
the whole plant, a bitter, milky juice. It produces a naked, 
slender, fragile stem, bearing at the top a moderately large, 
yellow flower, succeeded by a round head of down, which, with 
the seeds, is scattered by the wind. The root extends deep 
into the ground. The flowers appear throughout the spring, 
summer and autumn, and are found usually in meadows and 
pasture grounds. 

Medical Uses. — The Dandelion possessess important 
strengthening and cleansing equalities, and is very effecrual in 
obsti'uctions of the liver and spleen, or in diseases arising 
from such obstructions, as jaundice, hypochondriasis, etc. It 
is very conducive, used by young or aged persons, to remove 
obstructions of the urinary organs, and to cleanse and heal ul- 
cers aSecting the same : — for which purpose, the decoction of 
the leaves and roots with the addition of some white wine, is 
very advantageously employed. This plant is much used as a 
pot herb, with other suitable herbs, to purify the blood ; and 
thus used, is highly beneficial in consumption, general debility, 
or in a cachectic derangement of the system. Persons aflected 
with this habit of body, should make free use of Dandelion, 
in any convenient form. 

It possesses merits unsurpassed, in liver complaints, and as 
a purifier of the blood — is held, likewise, to be very useful in 
chronic diarrhea. The distilled water is of utility, put into 
the drinks of patients, in malignant fevers. 



DILL. — [Aneth.iT/i graveolens.) 

{Projoerties) — Akomatic, Caemii^ative, Emmzxagogue, 
STo:y:ACHic. 

Description. — Dill starts up with a jointed, striated or fur- 
rowed stem, usually three feet or more in hight, having a few 
branches, and spreading into terminal umbels of yellow, 



52 people's physician. 

pentapetalous flowers. Tlie leaves are of a sea-grecD, mnch 
divided into linear or very narrow pointed leaflets, resembling 
the leaves of fennel. The seeds are somewhat thin, or more 
flat than those of fennel. It has an annual, taper root, some- 
what small, and slightly tending to a ligneous quality. It is 
usually sown in gardens, and is found wild. 

Medical Uses. — An infusion of Dill clears and strengthens 
the brain — allays flatulent distension or swelling, and pain — 
removes sickness at stomach, and checks vomiting. 

The seed is efiectual to digest raw, viscous humors, being 
bruised, and employed by way of infusion for the purpose, 
and is more valuable than the leaves to expel flatus, or wind 
generated in the stomach, and to promote the menses. 



DWAKF ELDER.— (^mZ^a Ms^ida.) 
{Properties) — Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Dwarf Elder is well calculated to obviate 
obstructions, or excess of the bile, viscous, or attenuated mu- 
cus, — likewise relieves female complaints, redness and inflam- 
mation of the eyes, scalds, and burns, colic, and gravel com- 
plaints, inveterate and fistulous ulcers. 

It is highly valuable to void the extravasated water of the 
dropsy, — for the cure of this disorder, drink freely of the de- 
coction of Dwarf Elder combined with white wine. 



ELDER. — {Samhicus canadensis. 
{Properties.) — Alterative, Diuretic, IjTervine, Sudorific. 



Medical Uses. — The expressed juice of the leaves, or the 
distilled water of the flowers, remedies inflamed or bloodshot 




RuBus Strigosus, (Red Raspberry.) 



MATEKIAMEDICA. 53 

eyes, cleanses the skin of freckles, pimples, sun-burning, tan, 
etc. The same may be used as a wash for the headache, 
■alcers, and palsied hands, A decoction of the bark and 
berries promotes ^rine and perspiration, and is very valuable 
in dropsy. 



ELECAMPANE.— {Inula Iielenium.} 

{Properties.) — Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expec- 
torant, Tonic, Vermifuge. 

DesGription. — Its leaves are large, someweat bro^d at the 
central part, and diminishing toward both extremities, serrated, 
with a pointed termination, of a light green on the upper 
surface, grayish beneath, and having short footstalks. Among 
these rise large stalks covered w\i\\ soft pubescence, three or 
four feet in hight, branched toward the top, bearing large, 
yellow flowers ; and having leaves sessile, or without foot- 
stalks, amplexicaul, or embracing the stem at their base. It 
has a large, thick, branching root, blackish on the exterior, 
and whitish within. It grows more frequently in moist and 
shady grounds — at times, in open borders of fields, and other 
waste places, and produces flowers in July. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Elecampane, made into a 
sirup, or the powder mixed with sugar, is very effectual to 
warm a Cold stomach, oppressed with flatus — to remove pains 
and stitches in the side, resulting from inflammation of the 
spleen, which is frequently attended with some degree of fever, 
and at times with an enlargement of that organ, and general 
derangement of the system. It is used, moreover, in dys- 
pepsia, — coughs, shortness of breath, wheezing respiration, and 
other pulmonary complaints — in suppressed urine, amenorr- 
hea, gravel complaints, and arrests the progress of putrid or 
malignant fevers. The root, in new ale or beer, drank daily, 
is said to clear and strengthen the vision or sight. An in- 
fusion €>f the roots in wine, expels all kinds of worms — is 



54 people's physician. 

useful in hemoptysis or spitting of blood — and employed both 
internally and externally, serves to remove cramps or con- 
vulsions, rheumatic pains of the joints, internal bruises or 
injuries, etc. The same, used as a gargle, or the root as a 
masticatory, firmly fastens loose teeth, and preserves them from 
decay. The root, boiled well in vinegar, and made into an 
ointment with hog's lard, or the decoction used as a wash, is 
an excellent remedy in scabs, psora or itch, putrid sores or 
cankers. The distilled water clears the face of spots, blemishes 
or imperfections. 

Dose. — Of the powder ten grains three times a day. In 
decoction of an ounce of coarse powder to a pint of boiling 
water, the dose is one fluid ounce three times a day. 



EN^DIYE. — ( ClcJiorium endivia.) 
{Properties) — Deobstruent, Febrifuge, Refrigerant. 



Description. — This is a bitterish, annual plant, and starts up 
with a stem furnished with divided leaves, after the manner 
of succory, bearing blue flowers ; also, yielding seeds closely 
resembling those of succory, and the roots yield a milky 
juice. When roasted, it closely resembles cofiee, and is used 
to adulterate it in Europe. It is usually cultivated in gardens. 

Medical Uses. — Endive is a fine, cooling plant, and the 
decoction of the leaves serves well to abate excessive heat of 
the liver and stomach, or predominance of heat in the hot 
stages of agues ; and to allay inflammation in any part of 
the body. It corrects sharpness of urine, or excoriations 
aflfecting the urinary organs. The seed possesses a similar, 
or perhaps, a more eflectual quality, and is valuable in faint- 
ing or swooning. An external application of Endive corrects 
the acrimony or sharpness of humors in fretting ulcers, or 



M A T E R I A M E D I C A . 55 

tumors and swellings attended with inflammation — and is 
said to help remarkably, redness and inflammation of the 
eyes — likewise, dimness of sight. It can not be used amiss, 
— a sirup made of it is an excellent cooling medicine in 
fevers. 



EYE-BmGWr.—iFnpArasia officinalis.) 
(Properties.) — Anticatarrhal, Cephalic. 



Description. — Eye-bright or eup?trast/^ is a low plant, ris- 
ing up usually with a dark green stem, nine inches in hight, or 
not much more, branching from the lower part, and set with 
almost round or ovate, pointed, small, dark green leaves, finely 
notched on the edges, and arranged in pairs. At the joints 
with the leaves,, from the middle to the top, appear small, 
white flowers, slightly variegated with yellow and purple. 
These are followed by round heads, small in themselves, and 
containing very small seeds. The root is long, and thready 
at the extremity. The plant usually grows in meadows and 
grassy grounds. 

Medical Uses. — The expressed juice or distilled water of 
this plant, should be used as an eye-water, and at the same 
time, a part mingled with wine for internal use, in order to 
remedy catarrhal inflammation of the eyes, or infirmities 
which tend to weaken and impair the sight. "This medicine 
is useful in coughs, hoarseness, headache and earache which 
have supervened in catarrhal afiections. It is said, the powder 
of the herb, mixed with fennel seed, sugar, and mace, and 
taken in a beverage, or the powder made into an electuary, 
with sugar, improves the vision decayed through age. 
Euphrasy is of utility in bloodshot eyes — in those oppressed 
with an increase of sharp humors — in cases of specks on the 
cornea — and in weeping or watery eyes. It strengthens, 
moreover, a weak brain, or memory. 



56 people's physician. 

FEXIS'EL. — {Anet7iu7n foeniculum.) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Cakmixatiye, Deobstkuent, 
Galactopoietic, Stomachic. 



DesGvljption. — Pennel rises with a round, furrowed, fully 
branched, upright, green stalk, varying from two and a half to 
three and a half feet in hight, set with alternate leaves, sheath- 
ing or investing the stalk or stem by their base, finely divided, 
or composed of linear, pointed, dark green leaflets. It pro- 
duces resplendent yellow, pentapetalons flowers, disposed in 
umbels. It has a spindle shaped root, which is said to be pec- 
toral and diuretic. Gardens usually afibrd an ample supply 
of this root. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction of leaves, or rather of the 
seeds of fennel, abates the heat, and obviates the loathing or 
sickness, oftentimes incident to the stomach of the debilitated 
and feverish patient — relieves hiccough, asthmatic and rheu- 
matic afiections. The same, boiled in barley water, augments 
or increases the milk of nurses, and renders it more whole- 
some for infants. 

The seeds are aromatic and warm: they contain a large 
proportion of essential oil. The seeds, cr roots are eflfectual 
to cleanse the blood — to remove visceral obsti'uctions — and 
to obviate the jaundice, pain, enlargement and tumefaction of 
the spleen, attended with flatus. 

The roots may be given in form of diet-drink, which is well 
calculated to improve the cadaverous countenance of the con- 
valescent patient, after a fit of sickness, and induce a healthy 
habit of body — it is said,- moreover, to reduce obesity or 
excessive fleshiness. The distilled water, or expressed juice 
is useful to clear the eyes of films. "Wild Fennel is deemed to 
possess stronger and more warming qualities than the sative 
or o-arden kind. 



MATEEIA MEDICA, 57 

FEEI^. — {Aspidium felix mas.) 



{Properties.) — x^nthelmintic, Astringent, Emmenagogue, 
Tonic. 

Description, — Male Fern sends up lucid green fronds, or 
divided leaves, with the fructification on the inferior disk or 
under surface, proceeding directly from the root, after the man- 
ner of dense masses or collections ; varying between one and 
three and a half feet in hight, in form oblong, sharply termi- 
nated, and composed of deeply lobed, oblong divisions or 
leaflets, notched with roundish incisures on the margins. The 
root is perennial, not descending, but growing parallel with 
the surface of the ground. 

This plant is usually found in shady grounds, and soils 
adapted to the growth of pines. 

Medical Uses. — Male Fern, bruised and boiled in mead or 
honeyed water, is a vermifuge, especially for the taenia or tape 
worm, and lum'briGi^ or long, round worms. This is a bitter, 
astringent, and strengthening medicine, well calculated to 
remedy biliary, watery humors, and reduce enlargement and 
tumefaction of the spleen. The roots, bruised and boiled in 
hog's lard, furnish a good ointment for wounds. The powder 
may be used to dry up the profuse discharge of obstinate ulcers, 
and facilitate their cure. This plant should not be used by 
women in a state of pregnancy, as it is most certain to pro- 
duce abortion. The same, burned in sleeping apartments, is 
said to expel gnats and musquitoes, which are frequently a 
source of great annoyance to persons by night. 

Meadow Fern, {Myrica gale^) is considered to possess pec- 
toral, astringent, and herpetic properties, and is employed in 
disorders of the chest and cutaneous affections. The infusion 
is also stomachic and vermifuge. Sweet Fern, {Comptonia 
asplenifolia^ is an herb of great utility, and many persons 
are not aware of its valuable properties — it holds a high repu- 
tation in domestic use, in cases of chronic debility, diarrhea, 
7 



58 people's physician. 

dysentery aDd bloody flux. It possesses noted astringent and 
tonic properties. It is good for night sweats. It is also used 
in rheumatism, inflammations, fevers, asthma, etc., and often 
as a fomentation. 



YEVEFJP'KW.—{Pyrethru7npartAe}num.) 



(Properties.) — Emmenagogue, Xeryixe, Stimulant, Stom- 
achic, Tonic. 

Descrijption. — Feverfew rises with a branching stem, 
between two and three feet in hight, furnished with lively 
green, pinnate leaves, composed of leaflets cut into jags, or 
toothed. It produces compound, radiated, white flowers, with 
a yellow disk or center, on short footstalks, which spread at 
the summit of the stem. The odor of the whole plant is very 
strong, and its taste bitter. It is a congener, or allied to cham- 
omile — and inherits its name, doubtless, from its febrifuge 
qualities. It is usually fouud in gardens, flowering in June 
and July. The root is somewhat hard, with radicles or strong 
fibers. 

Medical Uses. — Feverfew, sometimes Q,2i\\Qdifeatlier-fevj., is 
invigorating to the stomach, tranquilizing and bracing to the 
nerves, cleansing and strengthening in uterine, or female 
complaints ; and remedies such infirmities as a careless mid- 
wife may have occasioned, provided an infusion of the herb 
in white wine be administered as a drink, — or an infusion 
of the flowers in wine, with the addition of a little nutmeg 
or mace, drank frequently during the day, is an approved 
medicine to procure speedy menstruation, and to void the 
still-hirth and after-hirtJi : — sitting over the hot fumes of the 
decoction of the herb made in water, may answer the same 
purpose, and in some cases, a warm application of the boiled 
herb to the parts, may be necessary. An infusion thereof, 
with the addition of some sugar or honey, is used by many 



1 



MATEEIAMEDICA. 59 

with good success, in coughs, colds, ii]fluenza, or catarrah on 
the chest. The powder taken in wine, with the addition of 
squills, purges the bile, mucus or phlegm — is available for 
shortness of breath, melancholy, or depression of spirits. 
The bruised leaves applied to the crown of the head, and 
the cold tea drank daily, is an effectual mode of treatment, 
in vertigo or dizziness, paralysis, St. Yitus' dance, stammer- 
ing, and pains of the head resulting from colds. An infusion 
of Feverfew^ drank warm, at the same time some of it beaten 
together with salt and applied to the wrists, prior to the ap- 
proach of the paroxysms of agues, prevents or removes them. 
The distilled vvater may be employed in afiections of the eyes, 
freckles, and discolorings of the skin. This herb bruised and 
heated with some wine and oil, is applied to the abdomen 
with advantage in flatulent colic. 



Y\LWY:M)V>\.K.—{SiyircBafili:pendula>^ 

{Properties^ — Antilithic, Astringent, Carminative, Diu- 
KETic, Pectoral, Tonic. 



Deseription. — This plant, sometimes called drojpwort^ 
rises with a stalk usually two feet in hight, slightly branched, 
furnished with a species of compound or pinnate leaves, alter- 
nately arranged, and composed of several paii's of leaflets, 
indented or notched on the edges, the terminal leaflet having 
three parts. or divisions. The top of the stalk spreads into 
flower stems, variously subdivided, and bearing many white, 
pentapetalous, sweet-scented flowers on short peduncles. The 
root is perennial, consisting of a number of small, black, 
roundish, tuberous pieces, hanging down from the principal 
root, and connected together by threads. It is cultivated in 
gardens and likewise inhabits dry fields and meadows, pro- 
ducing flowers in June and July. 

Medical Uses. — Filipendula is highly spoken of as a medi- 
cine in cases of strangury, nephritic or calculous complaints. 



60 people's physician. 

The root should be administered in form of powder, or by 
way of decoction, with the addition of a little honey. It aids 
to expel the ofter-hirth. The powder of the roots prepared 
with honey, in the form of an electuary, or made into a thick 
consistency, promotes the expectoration of tenacious mucus 
or phlegm — and is of great benefit in flatulent distensions 
of the stomacii, — in diseases of the lungs, as shortness of 
breath, wheezing respiration, hoarseness, coughs, etc. 



FOXGLOVE. — {Digitalis purpurea.) 
{Properties.) — ANXEPiLErTic, Discuteent, Diuretic, !N'ae- 

COTIC. 

Description. — Foxglove has hoary, green leaves, indented 
or notched on the edges, and set upon the stem from the bot- 
tom to the middle: from thence to the top, are arranged long, 
hollow, bell-shaped, pendulous, purple flowers, containing 
dark dots. The capsules are ovate, and contain small, dark or 
brown seeds. The root is biennial, small, and fibrous. This 
plant grows in sandy grounds, usually, yet sometimes else- 
where, and generally produces flowers in July. 

Medical Uses. — An application of the bruised leaves of 
Foxglove, is well adapted to heal fresh wounds ; and the ex- 
pressed juice may be used to cleanse, dry, and heal chronic 
sores, — an ointment made of this, is said to be efiectual in 
scrofula or kiug's-evil. A level tea spoonful of the powder, 
infused in a pint of boiling water, with the addition of some 
hone}^ or sugar, cleanses and purges the body of tenacious 
phlegm or viscous humors, — removes hepatic and splenetic 
obstructions. For epilepsy, a level tea spoonful of the pow- 
dered leaves, and two tea spoonsful oi polypody, should be 
put into a pint bottle of ale or beer, and kept tight for use. 

Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful, morning and even- 
ing. This medicine has been known to cure epileptic fits of 
fifteen years standing, — it is of much use in dropsy, being an 



MATERIA MEDICA. 61 

active diuretic. Foxglove should be administered with 
caution, being a very powerful medicine, and not unfrequently 
fraught with ill or dangerous effects, from overdoses. The 
usual dose is from one-half to three grains, in powder. It 
is sometimes administered in tincture, beginning with ten 
drops, night and morning, and increasing the dose until 
slight nausea is produced. 



Y\]MlT01lY.—{Fumaria officinalis.) 

{Properties.) — Alterative, Diaphoketic, Diueetio, Laxa- 
tive, Tonic. 

Description. — Fumitory is a tender herbaceous plant, con- 
taining a watery juice, and having a square, brittle stem, with 
branches leaning or bending, set with multifid, or much di- 
vided leaves, of a sea-green color. It produces numerous 
purple flowers. These are followed by round seed vessels 
containing small black seeds. The root is yellowish, moder- 
ately long, small, and full of watery juice, when fresh. It is 
found in gardens and tilled grounds, or fields, usually flower- 
ing during May, June, and Jul^^ 

Medical Uses. — The juice, made into a sirup, or the decoc- 
tion of the plant made in whey, in conjunction with other 
purging or aperient herbs and roots, to render it the more 
active, is effectual to remove obstructions of the liver, and to 
cleanse the blood of morbid, inflamed humors, which give rise 
to herpetic affections, as ring-worms or tetters, scabs, and sim- 
ilar eruptions of the skin. This medicine, after freeing the 
body from impurities, reinvigorates, or strengthens the whole 
system. It is very good in jaundice ; and acts, in large doses, 
as a powerful diuretic. The powder of the herb, taken for 
some time, cures hypochondriac complaints. The seed is con- 
sidered more effectual for the above purposes. The distilled 
water, with a little rose-water, employed as a gargle, helps 
canker in the mouth and throat. 



62 people's physician. 

The juice may be applied in inflammation of the eyes, and 
dimness of sight, — it may be miDgled, likewise, with the juice 
of docks and vinegar, as a valuable lotion or wash, in cuta- 
neous affections, or disorders of the skin. 



GARLIC. — {Allium sativum..) 

{Properties.) — Expectorant, Diuketic, Pectoeal, Stimu- 
lant, Tonic, Yekmifuge. 



Medical Uses. — Every part of this plant, but more especi- 
ally the bulb, has a pungent, acrimonious taste, and a peculi- 
arly offensive, strong smell. It powerfully promotes urina- 
tion, — is effectual for bites of mad dogs, and other venomous 
bites, — is valuable to expel worms in children, — cuts and voids 
tough mucus, or phlegm, — purges the head and obviates lethar- 
gic complaints, — it is a good preventive against infectious or 
malignant diseases, and remedies virulent ulcers, — removes 
spots and blemishes from the skin, — pains in the ears — more- 
over ripens and breaks abscesses, boils, and similar swellings. 
The onion may be substituted for the above purposes ; but the 
garlic has some virtues peculiar to itself — it possesses a special 
quality to throw off derangements of the system, arising from 
ague and fever, mineral fumes, or from drinking stagnant 
water — also ill effects resulting from the imprudent use of 
wolfs-hane., henbane^ fiemlock^ etc. 

It is valuable in dropsy, jaundice, epilepsy, cramps, con- 
vulsions, hemorrhoids or piles. Persons of a phlegmatic tem- 
perament, having dull, sluggish circulation, or derangement 
of the secretory vessels, realize, from the use of garlic, very 
beneficial results, — but those of a plethoric habit should dis- 
pense with its free use. A sirup made of garlic is excel- 
lent for inveterate coughs and other pulmonary complaints. It 
should be used in its crude or raw state, by way of expressed 
juice, or otherwise, in the foregoing disorders, since prepara- 
tion by fire has a tendency to counteract its medicinal force... 



MATERIA MEDICA. 63 

GENTIAN. — {Gentiana purpurea:) 

{Properties) — Alterative, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Emmen- 
AGOGUE, Stomachic, Tonic, Vermifuge. 



Deseription. — Purple Gentian rises with an upright, stout, 
herbaceous, unbranched stem, between one and two feet in 
hight, varying according to the soil, of a brownish green color, 
furnished with long, pointed, dark green leaves, undivided, 
and even on the edges, clasping the stem at their base, and 
set in couplets up to the top. The flowers are purple, long, 
hollow or bell-shaped, and terminated at the border by five 
pointed lobes or segments. It has a perennial root, long, and 
growing deep in the ground. The time of flowering is in 
August. 

The order of Gentianworts, comprises species having near- 
ly similar properties, varying chiefly in intensity, — Gentiana 
lutea is what we usually find in drug stores. 

Medical Uses. — The root removes morbific or biliary de- 
rangements — strengthens the stomach exceedingly^ — and there- 
by restores lost appetite and relieves dyspepsia — likewise 
removes tough, viscous mucus or phlegm, stitches, or shooting 
pains in \h.Q sides, imparts new vigor to the spirits, and pre- 
vents fainting or swooning. An infusion of the root in wine 
revives persons overwearied by traveling, excessive labor, or 
exposure, afibrds relief in cramps or convulsions ; and is an 
excellent remedy in ruptures, bruises, or like injuries, as well 
as for sores or ulcers. It very effectually promotes urination 
and menstruation, therefore should be withheld in cases of 
pregnancy, as it is attended with abortive consequences. A 
tea spoonful of the powdered root, taken in wine, each morn- 
ing, is an admirable vermifuge — and is profitable moreover, 
in scrofula or king's-evil, intermittents, or ague and fever. 
Gentian counteracts putrescent tendencies, poison, and infec- 
tion. The powder may be used or taken in wine to expel the 
virus communicated from venomous bites. 



64 people's physician. 

GINSENG. — {Panax quinquefolium.) 
{Properties.) — Diapiioketic, Demulcent, Nekvine, STniu- 

LANT. 



Medical Uses. — ^The American has the same properties, yet 
is somewhat inferior to the Chinese plant. The roots have an 
agreeable smell, and slightly bitter, aromatic taste. It has 
been found serviceable in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, 
dysentery, and nervous affections . It may be taken either in 
decoction, tincture, or powder. 

Dose. — Of the pulverized root from one to two tea spoonsful. 



GOlA)Y^-V^OV>.—{Soliclagovirgaurea.) 

(Properties^ — Astringent, Diuketio, Lithontkyptic, 
Tonic, Vulnerary. 

Description. — This plant has a round, virgate, or rod-like 
stem, usually two feet in hight, though sometimes higher, fur- 
nished with long, numerous, dark green leaves, very seldom, 
however, if any, notched on the edges. The stem, which is 
of a brownish hue, is divided at the top, bearing small, yellow 
fiowers, all turned the same way, and after maturing, changed 
to down, which is carried away by the wind. The root is pe- 
rennial, not growing deep, comprising many small shoots or 
radicles, and sends up annually new stems. It is found in 
open grounds of woods, or similar places, both in moist and 
dry soils, flowering about the month of July. 

Medical Uses. — This species of Golden-rod is a powerful 
diuretic, and relieves strangury or nephritic complaints, and 
is considered a solvent in calculous formations. The infusion 
of the fresh or dried herb, drank, and applied externally, as 
occasion requires, is effectual in ruptures, inward bleeding, 
or bleeding of wounds, debility, and chronic laxity of the 




Panax Quinquefolium, (Ginseng.) 




Hydrastis Canadensis, (Golden Seal.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 65 

bowels, bloody flux, dysentery, profuse menses, exudation, 
or profuse discharge of humors. As a wound herb it is in- 
ferior to none, both for internal and external uses, curing 
speedily fresh wounds, chronic sores or ulcers. It is a sov- 
reign remedy, in the form of a wash, for diseased gums, or 
chronic looseness of the teeth, ulcerations in the mouth and 
throat or other localities. The sweet-scented Golden-rod, 
{Solidago odora^) is used by way of warm infusion, as a stimu- 
lant, carminative, and diaphoretic, — allays flatulent pains, 
and regulates the unpleasant efiects, or taste, attendant on the 
use of other medicines of a harsh or irritative nature. 



GOLDEN-SEAL. — {Hydrastis canadensis.) 
(Properties.) — Antibilious, Aperient, Tonic. 



Description. — This small plant, known also by the name 
of yellow puccoon., has a yellow root, with some knobby 
portions, connected by fibers, which gives rise to one or two 
leaves, gashed or divided into a few parts, and irregularly 
notched on the edges. It bears a flower of a white color, or 
with a shade of purple, terminating the scape or naked flower 
Btalk. It is found in moist, shady woods of thS West, and in 
some localities near the Atlantic coast of the United States. 

Medical Use^. — The root is bitter and pungent, and is 
highly useful, employed in conjunction with other tonic roots, 
in the form of a bitter, to raise the debilitated patient, and 
restore a good appetite. A decoction of the root is likewise 
used as a topical tonic. It is of very great value in jaundice 
and biliarly diseases, dyspepsia, weakness and oppression of 
the stomach. An infusion of the root in wine is useful in 
constipation. Golden-seal is also very valuable in inflam- 
mation. Used both externally and internally, by way of 
powder or decoction. 



66 people's physician. 

GOLB-TRRE AD. —{Co2?tls trifoUa.) 
(Properties.) — Astringent, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — This small evergreen, called Gold-thread, 
from its yellow, fibrous roots, has leaves on slim footstalks, 
divided into three parts, the leaflets being sessile, smallest at 
the base, and largest at the termination, cut into segments, 
and acutely notched. A single white flower terminates the 
flower stem, which appears in the spring. It is found plenti- 
fully in the Eastern section of the United States, and in some 
other localities, growing in shady woods, low, wet grounds, 
and sometimes in elevated places. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Gold-thread furnishes a pure, 
efiectual, tonic bitter, highly valuable in weakness or derange- 
ment of the stomach. It will prove of much advantage to 
the convalescent patient, after a fit of prostrating sickness, in 
restoring a wonted degree of health and strength. It is of 
much use, likewise, in aphthous disorders of the mouth and 
fauces, or canker in the mouth and throat. It may be given 
in the form of powder or tincture, in tea spoonful doses, two 
or three times a day. An ointment, made of the root and 
hog's lard, is very good for sore lips, chapped hands, etc. 



GOOSEBERRY.— (i?/5^5 grossularia.) 
{Froj)erties.) — Antibilious, Antilithic, Refkigeeant. 



Description. — This bush or shrub is usually found in gar- 
dens. It is armed with spines, furnished with alternate 
leaves, lobed, and irregularly notched, or having inequalities 
on the edges. The berries possess a grateful, cooling, reviv- 
ing flavor. 




CopTis Teifolia, (Gold-thread.) 



""" MATERIA MEDIC A. 67 

Medical Uses. — The green berries being stewed, are well 
calculated to restore decayed or lost appetite, especially of 
those whose stomachs are afflicted with excess of bile. An 
external application of the leaves, prepared by way of de- 
coction, abates erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, allays the 
excessive heat of swellings or inflammations. E-ipe goose- 
berries correct the heat of the stomach and liver. A decoction 
of the tender, young leaves is useful in calculous disorders or 
gravel complaints. 



GKAPE Ym^.—{Yitis vinifera.) 
{Properties) — Antilithio, Hydeagogue, Eefkigeeant. 



Description, — The Grape Vine is a well-known, woody, 
climbing vine, clinging to trees or fixed objects, by means of 
its tendrils or claspers, having sappy stems, and leaves gashed 
into a few lobes, notched on the edges, standing on footstalks, 
the upper being alternate and the lower leaves opposite. It 
produces racemous clusters of round fruit. 

Medical Uses. — The exudation of cut Grape Yines, or tears, 
taken two or three spoonsful at a time, is an effectual medi- 
cine in calculous affections of the bladder and* dropsy. A 
decoction of the leaves is a very good lotion in sore mouths, 
and is useful in cases of diarrhea : — the same, boiled with 
barley meal, and made into a poultice, may be employed as a 
cooling application for inflammation of wounds. The ashes 
of the Grape Yine forms a dentifrice unsurpassed. Taken in 
Maderia wine, it is curative in cases of dropsy : it should be 
taken at two or three stated or regular times during the day. 

Dose. — A dessert spoonful in a half or entire glass of wine. 

The sap or tears of the vine are used in France in cases of 

chronic ophthalmia, or, in plainer words, inflammation of 

the eyes. The expressed juice of the unripe fruit, which is 
8 



C8 people's physician. 

called verjuice, is considered to be a very useful application 
in bruises and sprains. 



GREEK Y ALERl AS. —{Pole7no?iium reptans.) 
{Properties.) — Altekatite, Asteingkn't, Sudoeific. 



Medical Uses. — This is sometimes called JacoV's ladder.^ 
hlue-hells^ abscess-root^ and sweat-root. The root of this plant 
is the part used in medicine. It is asserted to be curative 
in scrofula, boils, scrofulous ulcers, consumptions, and all pul 
monary and hepatic complaints. "When this article is used 
externally, in form of poultice for ulcers, boils, or other sores, 
an infusion or tincture should be taken at the same time in- 
ternally, to cleanse the system and remove the redundant hu- 
mors from the blood. A warm infusion, drank plentifully, is 
of great utility in pleurisies and fevers, by inducing a free or 
copious perspiration, and thereby throwing off the disease. 



GEOUXD IVY. — ( GlecTioma hederacea.) 
{Properties) — Demulcent, Pectoeal, STOMAcmc, Tomc. 



Description. — This plant is found in various parts of the 
United States, inhabiting groves, or shady grounds by hedges, 
or skirts of woods. It possesses no deleterious qualities, — 
usually called, Gill-go-over-tJie-ground. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction of the leaves is very useful in 
disorders of the chest and lungs — obstructions of the liver, or 
in cases of jaundice, laxity, and debilitated state of the bowels, 
— impurities of the blood, dyspnoea, or asthmatic affections. 
It has a peculiar and direct action in ulcerations of the lungs, 
kidneys, etc., and is considered useful as an errhine and vul- 
nerary. 




PoLEMONiUM Reptans, (Greek Valerian.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 69 



{Properties.) — Abortive, Cephalic, Deobstruent, Diu- 



EETic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant. 



Description. — Ground-Pine grows low, seldom rising above 
three inches in hight, running over the ground, and furnished 
with small, linear, or slender, grayish, resinous scented leaves 
— some like pine leaves — frequently many bushing together at 
the joints — sometimes a few scatteringly placed on the stems. 
The flowers are small, of a pale yellow, and standing at each 
joint with the leaves. These are succeeded by small roundish 
pericarps of seeds. The root is annual, small, and woody. 
The plant grows in neglected fields, or waste barren grounds, 
flowering and yielding seed during the summer months. 

Medical Uses. — The decoction of Ground-Pine is very ef- 
fectual in cases of strangury, or nephritic complaints, jaun- 
dice, obstructions of the liver and spleen, and powerfully 
promotes menstruation, — therefore this should not be taken 
by women in a state of pregnancy, since by determining pow- 
erfully to the parts, it most inevitably produces abortion. An 
infusion of the plant in wine, taken in conjunction with the 
external application of the same, is efiectnal, when persisting- 
ly used, in paralytic and rheumatic maladies — likewise, as an 
internal medicine, has proved to be of great service in dropsy, 
epilepsy — in catarrh, and disorders of the head proceeding 
from cold watery, or serous humors, colds, coughs, griping 
pains of the bowels, or other internal pains. The powder, 
mixed with bruised figs, produces an effect mildly laxative on 
the bowels, and taken in wine, is said to counteract the ill 
effects of aconite, poisonous stings, etc. An external appli- 
cation of the fresh herb disperses scirrhous swellings of the 
breasts, or other localities. 

The expressed juice, applied with the addition of some 
honey, heals wounds, sores, or foul, malignant ulcers. A con- 
serve of the flowers may be used for many purposes. 



70 people's physician. 

GY.OJJ^DSEL.—iSejiecio vulgaris.) 
(Properties.) — Diuketic, Emetic, Purgative, Refeigerant. 



Description. — Common Groundsel has a round, brownish 
green stem, spreading near the summit into branches, set 
with somewhat long, green leaves, sinuated or cut in on the 
edges, resembling the leaf of the oak, yet less in size, and 
roundish at the termination ; at the top of the branches 
appear small, green heads, out of which arise many small, 
yellow thrums or threads, or rather florets : these, after re- 
maining awhile, are turned to down, and carried away by 
the wind. The plant is propagated by its seed. The root, 
which is small and fibrous, soon perishes. It is found in 
various places, at the foot of walls, among rubbish, or in waste, 
neglected grounds, being in flower, more or less, the greater 
part of the year. 

Medical Uses. — The decoction of this plant is a successful 
medicine in diseases attended with acrimony of humors, 
or excessive heat of the body. When the stomach is over- 
charged with biliary matter, it would be well to have this 
medicine act as an emetic, being perfectly safe and harmless 
in its nature, and by its soothing, cooling tendency, rendering 
the stomach and bowels exempt from the sensation of heat, 
so frequently consequent on the use of some emetics and 
purgatives. Groundsel should be administered in large 
doses to induce emesis or vomiting. A decotion of it taken 
with some wine, is available in jaundice, epilepsy, sciatic 
rheumatism, griping pains of the bowels, bilious colic, and 
strangury. An application of the expressed juice, or distilled 
.water, is especially valuable in catarrhal inflammation of the 
eyes. A poultice of the fresh plant, applied to swollen 
breasts accompanied with pain and inflammation, as well as 
in hemorrhoidal difficulties, affords great relief; likewise, used 
with some salt, serves to resolve indurated or hard swellings, 
in any part of the body. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 71 

HEAET'S-EASE oe TA'NSY.— {Viola tricolor.) 
(Properties.) — Antysyphilitic, Cephalic, Pectoral. 



Description. — ^Heart's-ease is a small, herbaceous plant, 
sometimes called pansy or tri-colored violet. We find it 
cultivated, likewise, growing wild in fields, especially in 
such as are barren or neglected, and occasionally on the tops 
of high hills. It is very generally known, from the fact that 
it is a pleasing, pretty little flower in our gardens. The 
flowers are in bloom through the spring and summer. 

Medical Uses. — Heart's-ease is cooling, emollient, and muci- 
laginous. It is considered useful in epileptic fits, convulsions 
in children, inflammation of the lungs and breast, pleurisy, 
nephritic complaints, — tinea capitis or scald head, and other 
cutaneous disorders. 

Mode of use, — make a strong decoction or tea, and drink 
freely ; also, apply externally at the same time, in cutaneous 
eruptions. 



HAHT'S TO!N'GUE. — {Asplenium scolopendi'ium.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Deobstruekt, Tonic. 



Description. — This has leaves rising separately from the 
root, and folding themselves as they rise, about a foot long 
when full grown, somewhat narrow compared with their 
length, small at the end, hard, with little sap, smooth, and 
green on the upper surface, containing on the back transverse, 
brownish, fine, vein-like streaks, and slightly bent down at 
their base, on both sides of the midrib. The root consists 
of many black fibers, folded or interlaced. This plant is not 
deciduous, but retains its verdure through the winter. It 
has a slightly astringent and mucilaginous, sweetish taste. 



2 people's physician 



Medical Uses. — As a medicine, tkis species of fern is nse- 
fal in enlargement and obstructions of the liver and spleen — 
burning sensations of the stomach, excessive, or morbidly 
frequent alvine evacuations — hemorrhages, etc. The dis- 
tilled water may be used with advantage in disorders of the 
heart, likewise by way of gargle, in cases of prolapsus uvula, 
or falling of the soft, spongy body of the palate, and in bleed- 
ing, spongy gums. 

HEDGE OE VriLD Wi<^0?.—{Gva1io:j c:^dna:i8) 



{Properties.) — DiuEmc. Ezmc. Hyteagck^ue, PrBSAXivE. 



Description. — This is a low plant, less than a f<xt in hight, 
very bitter in taste, with square stalks, branched from the 
bottom to the top, furnished at each joint with two small, 
opposite leaves, ovate, or broader at the base than at the 
termination, of a dark or sad green color, veined, and slightly 
notched on the edges. The flowers, stan-ling at the joints, 
are of a reddish purple color, occasionally intersperse-i with 
white. The seeds are small and yellowish, and the root is 
considerably spreading. Low. moist grounds are usually most 
congenial to this plant. It flowers in June and July. 

Medical Uses. — ^This kind of Hyssop is very cleansing, 
frees the blood of all extraneous humors, and is excellent to 
purge off phlegm and biliary matter — ^is considered curative 
in dropsy, strangury, gravel, or nephritic complaints. 

I: is a valuable remedy in rheumatic, scrofulous, and chro- 
nic hepatic complaints. 



HEDGE-MUSTAED.— (,?;>-, -^r'-n c^/':i:7^;.) 
{Properties) — Ditez— :. Einm:. Ex?zr7:EA>~-. Sni:Ti.A2rr. 



Bescripilon. — Hedge-mnsrari has a dark green, tough, 
flexible stalk ; and someMmes rises with several stalks, far- 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 73 

nished with a good supply of branches, set with alternate, 
long, tough, muddy green leaves, deeply cut in, or divided on 
the edges into a number of parts. At the tops of the branches 
appear small, yellow, cruciform, tetrapetalous flowers, on 
peduncles, or flower stems, alternately arranged. These are 
gradually succeeded by minute, yellow seeds, contained in 
slender, small, round pods, which possess a pungent, biting 
taste. It has a perennial, slender, descending, woody root, 
and is found by way sides, or in neglected fields, usually 
flowering in July. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction, or syrup of the Hedge-mus- 
tard, made with honey or sugar, may be given in diseases of 
the chest and lungs, as chronic coughs, wheezing respiration, 
shortness of breath, hoarseness, and entire loss of voice. 
This also, is of utility in jaundice, pleurisy, pains in the back 
and loins, pains of the bowels, and colic. The seed, employed 
as an emetic, given in hot water, will speedily counteract the 
ill eflects of poison, which has been inadvertently taken into 
the stomach. The seed, moreover, used in any convenient, 
suitable form, is very good in rheumatic disorders, ulcerations 
of the mouth and fauces, and swollen breasts. 



HELLEBOEE.— (Black.)— (^6ZZe5(?rw5m>6r.) 
{Properties^ — Cephalic, Diuretic, Puegative. 



Description. — Black Hellebore has a number of compound 
leaves, supported by long footstalks, proceeding immediately 
from the root, composed of smooth, tough, dark green, ellipti- 
cal leaflets, the upper half of which is serrated, or notched in 
a saw-like form. The flowers terminate round, tapering, 
upright stalks, reddish near the root — they are composed of 
roundish petals or flower leaves, of a purplish or reddish cast, 
but changing, however, in time, to green,— the anthers are 
yellow— seeds black, glossy, and in form, oval. The root is 



74 people's PHYSICIAN. 

perennial, black on the exterior, whitish within, not descend- 
ing, but growing in a parallel form, and having numerous 
fibers attached. When the weather proves mild and favorable, 
it sometimes flowers in December and January, — hence the 
name, Christmas Jlovjer or rose. 

Medical Uses. — The root of this plant has long been in 
use, and its qualities are well-known to be such as require 
caution in its administration. It is very effectual in hypo- 
chondriasis, quartan agues, mania or madness, j^ellow and 
black jaundice, epilepsy, sciatica, and convulsions. The 
powder of the root strewed upon foul ulcers, consumes the 
proud or fungous flesh, and facilitates their cure. It coun- 
teracts gangrenous tendencies. It is also recommended in 
dropsies and some cutaneous diseases. 

For internal use: — a third of a tea spoonful is a sufficient 
dose — and let this be corrected with half as much cinnamon. 

Any person experiencing ill effects from the excessive use 
of Black Hellebore, may find an antidote by drinking goafs 
milh.^ which is a common remedy — if this is not obtainable, 
drink plentifully of lemon juice or vinegar. Poisonous effects 
from the injudicious use of medicine are usually manifested by 
an inclination to vomit, and this obviously shows immediate 
recourse should be had to some antidote. 



HEMLOCK.-^(6'6)?^^w?7^ maculatum.) 
(Properties.) — Deobstkuent, Karcotic, Resolvent. 



Description. — The ordinary large plant rises with a large, 
smooth, hollow, shining stalk, from three to five feet in hight, 
discolored frequently with reddish spots, and having lower 
leaves tripinnate or thrice compound, a foot or more in 
length, — the principal leaf stem having arranged on each 
side opposite bipinnate leaves, — these last are subdivided into 
pinnate leaves, with opposite leaflets, notched on the edges, 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 75 

and of a dark green. The upper leaves are smaller and less 
compound. The stalk spreads into terminal umbels of small, 
white flowers, which are followed by flat seeds of a light color. 
The root is long, white, and sometimes crooked. The whole 
plant emits a very strong, heady, and ofiensive scent. It is 
found by old walls, among rubbish, or in waste places, flower- 
ing and seeding in July, or about that time. 

Medical Uses. — Hemlock is exceedingly cooling in its 
nature, but is dangerous when imprudently taken. Persons 
,11 sing this, should commence with extremely small or minute 
doses, — one grain or less, daily — gradually increasing as the 
constitution will bear. It is taken in scrofulous disease, 
when characterized by glandular indurations ; in constipation, 
attended with painful piles ; and in bronchial afiections, accom- 
panied with catarrh. 

As it possesses the power to cool and repel the heat arising 
from the acrimony of humors, it may be safely and advan- 
tageously applied externally to inflammations, swellings, 
tumors, St. Anthony's fire, and herpetic eruptions. The 
bruised leaves laid upon the brow or forehead, is a remedy 
for red and swollen eyes. Should any person swallow Hem- 
lock, mistaking it for some other umbelliferous plant, cure 
may be efiected by taking gentian in wine, or by drinking 
freely of good, sharp vinegar. Hemlock is found at the 
druggists under the name of CiciUa. 



HEMP. — {Cannabis sativa.) 

{Properties.) — Discutient, TsTakcotic, Parturient, Stimu- 
lant. 



Medical Uses. — The seeds of Hemp are very useful in 
flatulency, dry coughs, biliary obstructions, looseness, pro- 
longed diarrhea, colic, pains and spasms — allays restlessness, 
and quiets the nerves. It has a decided and ready action 
upon the uterine contractions, and promptly aids in cases of 



76 people's physician. 

parturition. A decoction of the roots allays inflammation in 
the head or other parts — likewise, being internally used, and 
externally applied, reduces indurated tumors or swellings — 
obviates pain and contraction of the muscles. The fresh juice, 
with a little oil or butter, is a very good application for burns. 
The extract of Hemp is deemed a very efficient form of medi- 
cine, and may be obtained at the druggists. This fibrous 
plant has a strong, narcotic smell, which causes vertigo, dim- 
ness of sight, and intoxication. It is extensively cultivated 
in the Western States. 



HEXBANE. — {Hyoscyamus niger.) 
{Pi'ojperties.) — Narcotic, JXeryin-e, Nauseant. 



Descri/ption. — This is an herbaceous, biennial plant, hav- 
ing a stalk some two feet, or more, in hight, branched, fur- 
nished with soft, woolly, glaucous leaves, sinuated, or cut in on 
the edges. It produces hollow, monopetalous flowers, five 
cleft, on the limbus or border, of a dead yellow color, near the 
edge of a paler hue, containing purple veins, and scarce ap- 
pearing above a hard, close, five parted calyx. The pyxis, or 
capsule is circularly divided into an upper and lower part, 
the former of which acts as a kind of lid — this contains seeds, 
small, numerous, and of a dusky or grayish color. The root 
is large, tapering, containing some shoots or fibers, very simi- 
lar to that of the parsnep. The whole plant possesses some- 
thing of an ill, soporific smell. It grows by old walls, in 
borders of fields, or in neglected places, flowering in June or 
July. 

Medical Uses. — An external application of the leaves of 
Henbane is valuable in scrofulous and cancerous ulcers — 
cools and allays heat or inflammation of the eyes, or other 
localities. A decoction of the leaves, employed by way of 
warm fomentation, or poultice, is found very useful to obviate 
swellings in the breasts, or elsewhere — to subdue painful 



MATERIA MEDICA. 77 

glandular swellings, pains of the gout, inflammatory rheu- 
matism, nervous or neuralgic headache, and is a most admir- 
able application for toothache. 

The juice, extract, or tincture, equally answers all purposes. 
This, dropped into the ears, relieves deafness, ringing, or buz- 
zing noises. It may be used by way of enema, or injection, 
for irritation of the rectum, bladder, etc. It is often taken to 
tranquilize the nerves, and to relieve pains and spasms. 

As deleterious results are sometimes experienced from the 
too free use of Henbane, it should be cautiously given, in small 
doses — from five to ten grains. It may be obtained at drug 
stores, in form of tincture, or extract, under the name of Hy- 
oscyamus. In an overdose it produces delirium, tremulous 
pulse, and an eruption of petechige, and the stomach has been 
found gangrenous. When antidotes are required for the ill 
efiects resulting from the injudicious use of this medicine, re- 
course maybe had to an infusion orpine kernels in sweet 
wine — drinking goats-milk^ or honeyed-water ; in the absence 
of these, fennel^ or nettle seeds ^ seeds of cresses^ mustard^ or 
radish^ as well as onions^ or garlics in wine — or drink freely 
of good, sharp vinegar. 



HERB ROBEET.— ((9e?mnmm Rolertianum) 
{Proj)erties.) — Antixephritic, AsTEiiS^GEXT,. Discutient. 



Description. — An annual plant, with a reddish stem, about 
two feet in hight. The leaves, which are supported on very 
long footstalks of a reddish cast, are divided into several 
parts, having each part, likewise, cut in, and notched on the 
edges. It produces flowers of a red color, with five petals, or 
flower-leaves. Like other plants of the family to which it 
belongs, it is distinguished by the long, awl-shaped, or beak- 
like appendage of the seed-vessel. The root is small and 
fibrous. This species of Geranium.^ is found in Europe and 
in the United States, usually flowering in June and July. 



78 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — As a medicine, this holds a- high reputation 
in the cure of nephritic or gravel complaints, jaundice, in- 
termittent fevers, profuse menses, pulmonary complaints, he- 
morrhage or bleeding. Employed by way of external appli- 
cation, it speedily heals recent cuts, or wounds ; likewise, is 
effectual for swollen breasts, or other swellings, and obstinate 
chronic ulcers of whatever nature or locality. 



HOREHOUND. — {MarruUum vulgare.) 
(Proj^erties^) — Pectokal, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — Common Horehound rises with square, 
hairy stems, from one to two feet in hight, set at the joints 
with two opposite, roundish, rough, crumpled leaves, in color 
of a sullen, hoary green — in scent comparatively pleasant, and 
bitter in taste. Jt produces small, white, monopetalous, labi- 
ate or gaping flowers, arranged round the stem at the joints, 
from the middle to the summit, in axillary whorls, and stand- 
ing in rough, hard calyxes, wherein are subsequently contained 
small, round, dark seeds. The root is perennial, of a dark 
color, hard, woody, and fibrous. This plant is usuallj^ found 
in dry grounds, and waste green places, flowering about July. 

Medical Uses. — An infusion of the dried herb and seed, or 
the juice of the fresh herb, together with honey, — otherwise, 
if you please, a sirup may be taken, as a popular remedy, in 
dyspnceic and asthmatic maladies, severe colds, and chronic 
coughs. It reduces irritation of the lungs, and restores tone 
to the stomach, where other medicines often prove futile or of 
no effect. The same may be taken by persons verging on 
consumption, who have been debilitated by protracted sickness, 
or a deranged, vitiated state of the body. "When taken with 
the roots oi flower-de-luce.^ it furthers or aids the expectoration 
of viscid mucns or tenacious phlegm — and is said to obviate 
the effects of swallowed poison. The juice, with honey and 
brandy, has been used in dimness of sight, and dropped into 



MATERIA MEDICA. 79 

the ears with oil of roses in cases of earache. An infusion 
of Horehound is available for pains in the sides, visceral ob- 
structions, and acts as a vermifuge. An ointment made of 
the fresh, bruised leaves and old lard allays swelling and pain 
resulting from punctures in the flesh, or other similar injuries. 
Horehound is said to be good for poisons, and to check and 
cure salivation. 



HOPS. — {Humulus lu^ulus.) 
{Properties.) — Anodyne, Aromatic, Diuketic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — An infusion of Hop-heads, is very useful 
in nephritic complaints, in impurities of the blood, herpes, 
and other cutaneous disorders, regulates the bowels, obviates 
the effects of debility, and imparts new tone to the system. 
It counteracts and expels poison, whether its effects be inter- 
nal, or external, being drank in the former case, and in the 
latter used outwardly, by way of bath. A tea spoonful of the 
seeds in powder, may be used in drink to expel worms. A 
sirup made of the juice and sugar, cures jaundice, affords re- 
lief in cases of bilious headache, corrects heat of the liver 
and stomach ; also, is considered of use, in protracted ague 
and fever. 

An external application of Hops, well moistened in vinegar, 
subdues pains of pleurisy, acute pains of the head and stom- 
ach : — this should be bound on, as warm as can be borne, to 
the places affected, and some of the infusion, made with 
water, drank at the same time. Hop-beer is considered to 
be very wholesome, and will be found profitable, as a common 
beverage, in the above range of use. The Hop flower loses a 
considerable quantity of its narcotic power in drying ; hence 
those who sleep in Hop-houses are with difSculty aroused 
from their slumber. A pillow stuffed with these flowers is 
said, in some instances, to have induced sleep when other 
remedies had failed. 



80 people's physician. 

HOESEMINT.— (J/bnar^^. punctata.) 
{Properties) — Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — ^Horsemint has hoary, braDchiog stems, be- 
tween one and two feet in hight, supplied with opposite, 
oblong, gradually tapering leaves, interspersed with dots on 
the surface, sharply, but not closely notched on the edges. It 
produces yellow flowers, interspersed with spots of a reddish 
brown, arranged in a verticillate or ring-like form, around the 
stem, one ring or whorl above another. It is found in sandy, 
barren grounds, flowering from June to September. 

Medical Uses. — Horsemint is considered to possess a 
higher degree of stimulant quality than ordinary mints. It 
remedies shortness of breath, flatulence, colic, sickness at the 
stomach, and vomiting — as well as weakness of the stomach 
and bowels. A warm, local application of the juice helps 
scrofula of the throat. 



HOUND'S-TOKGUE.— ( Cgnoglossum officinale) 
{Properties.) — Balsamic, Demulcent, Pectokal. 



Description. — This plant, which derives the name it bears 
from the shape of its leaves, rises with a rough, hairy stalk, 
set with alternate, hairy, narrow, dark green leaves, slightly 
resembling those of hugloss^ and spreads at the top into 
branches, along each of which are set monopetalous flowers, 
of a dull, purplish red color. It has a long, thick, black, mu- 
cilaginous root, and grows in moist, waste, untilled grounds, 
flowering about May and June. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Hound's-tongue is efiectually 
used by way of decoction, pills, or other forms, to obviate 
catarrhal defluxions, from the head to the eyes, stomach and 



MATEKIA MEDICA. 81 

lungs — to remove coughs, difficult respiration, etc. A decoc- 
tion of the leaves with oil and salt, acts as a mild, emollient 
purgative ; and is, likewise, an asserted remedy for bites of 
rabid animals, — by drinking of the decoction, as well as using 
some of it, together with the leaves, as an external applica- 
tion. An ointment made of the leaves, with lard, obviates 
falling of the hair, and cures burns and scalds, — or an appli- 
cation, simply, of the bruised leaves, may be used, to facili- 
tate the cure of cuts and wounds. The root may be wrapt in 
paste, or wet paper, and roasted under embers, then beaten 
up and applied, to relieve painful hemorrhoids or piles. The 
distilled water of the herb and root, equally answers all pur- 
poses, and may be used for incised, and punctured wounds, 
as well as for foul ulcers. Acids are said to counteract the 
ill effects from an overdose of this medicine. 



HOUSE-LEEK. — {Se7nj)ervivum tectorum.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Detergent, Refrigerant. 



Medical Uses. — House-leek is distinguished for the peculiar 
succulent nature of its stems and leaves, depending for nutri- 
tion, more particularly on the dews of night, than on support 
derived from the soil. It obviates heat or iuBammation of 
the eyes, as well as of other localities. 

The juice, taken in wine-wJiey^ is remarkably good, in hot 
stages of intermittent fevers or agues, to allay excessive heat, 
to quench thirst, and resuscitate or raise the spirits. The 
juice, alone, remedies diarrhea and acute rheumatism, cools 
and subdues erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, herpes zoster 
or shingles, salt rheum, ring-worms, and similar fierj^, acrid 
humors of the blood. Employed persistiugly by way of 
lotion, and the leaves bound to the part, it removes corns 
and warts ; and the same may be advantageously applied 
to the forehead and temples to subdue the pressing pains 
9 



82 people's physician 



and inordinate heat of the head occurring in delirium, or 
through want of sleep. The bruised leaves applied to the 
crown of the head, very speedily arrests bleeding at the nose ; 
and being gently rubbed upon places stung by bees, affords 
immediate relief. 



HYSSOP. — {Rijssopus officinalis.) 
{Properties.) — Cephalic, Expectorant, Pectoeal, Stimulant. 



Medical Uses. — Hyssop is usually cultivated in gardens, 
its leaves possessing an aromatic scent, and a warm, pungent 
taste. 

When persons are troubled with colds, coughs, tough mucus 
or phlegm, asthmatic or catarrhal affections, such may derive 
great benefit from the use of the sirup, or infusion of Hyssop 
with a little of rue. When taken with sqicills^ it works off, 
or evacuates by stool, vitiated humors or impurities of the 
blood. Employed with honey, it acts as a vermifuge, and is 
mildly laxative, when used with bruised new figs ; but is 
rendered the more effectual combined with the root of flower- 
de-luce and cresses. It restores the natural color of the com- 
plexion, which has been impaired by jaundice. Hyssop is 
beneficial, in any convenient form of use, for epilepsy or fits. 
It should be used with figs and nitre for dropsy and affections 
of the spleen. 



INDIAN CUP-PLAXT.— (^^7pA^^m perfoliatum.) 

{Properties.) — Alterative, Deobstruent, Diaphoretic. 



Medical Uses. — The infusion of this plant, (otherwise called 
ragged-cup,) is of great utility in ulcers, fevers, debility, 




SiLPHiuM Peefoliatum, (Indian Cup-Plant.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 83 

bruises or internal iujuries, and hepatic or splenetic difficul- 
ties. It is taken in strong infusion, the root requiring much 
steeping. 



mDIA:N" FEYSIC. —{GiUenia tnfoUata.) 
(Properties.) — Emetic, Tonic. 



Description. — Indian Physic has stems two and a half feet 
in hight, more or less, — ^slim, smooth, slightly bending, and 
branched — these are furnished with leaves composed of three 
leaflets, with a tapering point, sharply notched on the edges, 
the principal leaf having small, narrow, pointed stipules or 
appendages at its base. It bears white, pentapetalous flowers, 
with yellow anthers — petals narrow, pointed, bending back, 
presenting a very slight shade of red on the margin. The 
calyx is bell-shaped, hollow, distended, with five pointed 
divisions. The flowers are supported on long peduncles or 
flower stems, and disposed in a loose, bending, terminal 
panicle. The root is perennial, containing numerous shoots, 
somewhat dark in color, proceeding from a thick bulky, head. 
It is found growing in many places, throughout most sections 
of the United States, and is called by some American ipeoaG- 
uanha. 

Medical Uses. — ^Indian Physic should be administered in 
moderate doses, of three or four grains each, in order to pro- 
duce a tonic or strengthening efiect. It is a very eflectual, 
yet gentle emetic: — and for this purpose should be given 
every quarter, or half hour, until it produces vomiting. 

Dose. — Half a tea spoonful of ihQ> powder. The root, 
which is usually employed by way of powder, is the part 
used in medicine, and answers well as a substitute for Ipe- 
cacuanha, 



84 people's physician. 

mmGO.—(WiLi>.)—{Baptisiati7ictoria.) 
(Properties.) — AntiseptiCj Diaphoketic, Tonic. 



Description. — Wild Indigo has a smooth stem, varying 
from one to two and a half feet in hight, extremely branchy, 
and furnished with small leaves of a glaucous color, broad, 
and somewhat blunt at the termination, diminishing down to 
the base, arranged in ternaries.^ that is, leaves attached hy 
tJirees to a common petiole or leaf stem. It produces yellow 
flowers, usually in the months of July and August. The 
whole plant, in its dry state, assumes a dull, rusty black color. 
The B. alha^ or Prairie Indigo has a white flower, and may 
be employed as a substitute for the former. 

Medical Uses. — A poultice made of the roots of this plant, 
is highly useful to reduce swellings and inflammations attend- 
ant on bruises, sprains, or falls, and is invaluable in difficul- 
ties or injuries manifesting gangrenous tendencies. The root 
may be used, either internally, externally, or in both forms, 
as. occasion requires, in symptoms or manifestations of morti- 
fication. It is very useful in malignant foiTos of febrile dis- 
orders, such as scarlet and typhoid fevers — and has, likewise, 
much celebrity as an external application, by way of ointment, 
or lotion, in indolent ulcers, as well as those of a painful and 
virulent nature. The root of indigo given in small doses, 
proves mildly laxative, and in large doses, emetic and cathar- 
tic. It is highly recommended in putrid or ulcerous sore 
throat. 

^ « — 

T^^CA.C\JK^B.K.—{Cep7icBlis ijpecacuanha) 



{Properties) — Antidysentekio, Diaphosetic, Emetic, Ex- 
pectorant, Sudorific, Stimulant. 



Description. — Both the gray and the brown varieties of 
the root are in short, wrinkled, variously bent an-d contorted 




Baphsia Tinctoria, (Indigofera.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 85 

pieces, whicli break with a resinous fracture. They are 
brought to this country packed in bales, from Rio Janeiro. 
The gray is about the thickness of a small quill, full of knots 
and deep circular fissures, that nearly reach down to a white, 
woody, vascular cord that runs through the center of each 
piece; the external part is compact, brittle, and looks smooth ; 
the brown is smaller, more wrinkled, of a blackish brown 
color on the outside, and white w^ithin : the wdiite is woody, 
and has no wrinkles. In selecting Ipecacuanha, the larger 
roots, which are compact, and break with a resinous fracture, 
having a whitish gray, somewhat semi-transparent appear- 
ance in the inside of the cortical part, with a pale, straw- 
colored, medullary fibre, are to be preferred. 

Medical Uses. — The powder of these plants is slightly 
odorous and very nauseous. As an emetic, it is mild, safe, 
and certain in its operation ; when given in very large doses, 
it does not operate powerfully, but merely in a shorter space 
of time. It does not act so speedily as some other emetic 
substances, but it completely evacuates the contents of the 
stomach, and does not weaken it as antimonial emetics. 
When it is given at the commencement of continued fevers, 
the progress is often cut short by its operation ; and it is, 
likewise, frequently found to arrest the paroxysm of an inter- 
mittent, when given just before the approach of the cold 
stage. 

At the commencement of inflammation of the pharynx, 
larynx, and trachea, when the inflammation does not run 
very high, in cynanche tonsillaris, purulent opthalmia, ab- 
scess, and every case in which it is necessary to evacuate the 
stomach, or to increase the energy of the absorbent system 
by full vomiting. Ipecacuanha has been found useful. In 
doses sufficient to excite nausea, without producing vomiting, 
Ipecacuanha is given with excellent eflfects in dysentery and 
obstinate diarrhea, in which cases its efficacy seems to arise, 
in a great degree, from the nausea, which is kept up by the 
repetition of the small doses, diminishing the arterial excite- 
ment and determining to the surface. iSTauseating doses are 
also beneficial in spasmodic asthma, epilepsy, uterine and 



86 people's physician. 

pulmonary hemorrhages. As a sudorific, it is used in acute 
rheumatism, arthritic affections, dropsy, and other diseases 
in which sweating is necessary. It is generally given, in 
these cases, in combination with opium and neutral salts* 

Dose — As an emetic is thirty grains for an adult, given in 
three separate portions, fifteen minutes apart. 



JALAP OR BIXD-TTEED.— (6'c?7n-(?Zi'wZw.s jalaj>pa.) 
(JPro^erties.) — Catiiaetic, HrDrwAGOGUE. 



Description. — This kind of Jalap is imported from the 
southern part of Mexico. The soil of warm climates is most 
congenial to this plant; though it has been cultivated to 
some extent in the United States. It has slender, shrubbv, 
twisted stems, growing variously from eight to eleven feet in 
hight, and supporting itself on adjoining bodies — the leaves 
differ slightly in their form, being generally somewhat 
cordate, or heart-shaped, of a lucid green, alternately ar- 
ranged, and on slim footstalks. Short branches give rise to 
two peduncles, each containing a single, large, bell-shaped 
fiower, slightly of a purplish red on the outer side, and crim- 
son within. The root is perennial, of an oblong, roundish, 
or oval form, large, solid, and heavy, of a dark color, and 
containing a milky juice. 

Medical Uses. — It is held in high estimation, as being an 
efficient cathartic, in the generality of cases requiring the 
administration of such remedies. It possesses remarkable 
hydragogue powers, and is successfully used in evacuating 
the extravasated or hydropic water, in cases of dropsy. The 
root of Jalap usually comes cut in ti'ausverse slices, some- 
times whole, and is prepared by way of powder for medical 
purposes, which can be obtained at the druggists. The active 
principle of this plant is partly dissolved both by water and 
alcohol, and entirely by diluted alcohol. The active princi- 
ples appear to be resin and extractive matter. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 87 

Dose. — A tea spoonful of the powder, combined with a tea 
spoonful of cream of tartar. It is particularly useful in bilious 
fevers, jaundice, etc. 



JUMPER. — {Juniperus communis.) 
(Properties.) — Cakminative, Diuretic, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. — Juniper, though a native evergreen tree of 
Europe, has been introduced into the United States, attaining 
a different size, according to the locality or latitude where 
found. It is not unfrequently a small tree or shrub, fur- 
nished with small, narrow, pointed leaves, on the upper disk 
approximating to a sea-green color. 

Medical Uses. — Juniper berries possess a warm, pungent, 
sweet taste, yielding by expression, when fresh, a rich, sweet, 
aromatic juice. They are said to be an antidote to poison, or 
infection— they procure the menses, restore appetite, strengthen 
the stomach exceedingly, and obviate flatulence. Indeed there 
is scarcely a better carminative medicine, or a better remedy 
for colic than the oil extracted from the fruit of this tree. 

The ripe berries, eaten, are extremely good in coughs, short- 
ness of breath, consumption, pains in the bowels, ruptures, con- 
vulsions, — they strengthen the memory and brain, are valuable 
in paralysis and epilepsy, improve the sight by strengthening 
the optic nerves — are useful in chills and fever, rheumatic 
disorders, as well as to impart vigor to all the limbs of the 
body — obviate fluxes, relieve hemorrhoids or piles, and expel 
worms in children. As a diuretic, they are very available in 
strangur}^, or gravel complaints. Persons troubled with dropsy 
may drink an infusion of the berries in gin, or a lye made 
from the ashes of the bush, which will effect a cure — the same, 
applied as a lotion, cures the itch or scabious eruptions ; and 
the ashes simply, applied or rubbed on, cures scurvy of the 
gums-. 



88 people's physician. 

K:^0T GV.K'^^.— {Polygonum aviculare.) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Nervine, Styptic, Yulneraet. 



Medical Uses. — This kind of grass, which we find so com- 
mon by highway sides, by footpaths in fields, and old walls, 
arrests bleeding, cures fresh wounds, as well as chronic sores 
attended with profuse discharge — and is useful in those forms 
of diarrhea and dysentery, where astringents are requisite. 
It cools and regulates the blood, or corrects the acrimony of 
the humors. 

The distilled water, or expressed juice, simply, or employed 
in conjunction with the powder, is very profitable as an ex- 
ternal application, in swellings and foul ulcers attended with 
irritation or inflammation. 



LADY'S SLIPPER. — {Cyprijpedium Jcumile.) 
{PrOjpei'ties.) — Antispasmodic, Nervine, Sedative. 



Description. — It rises with a number of low, upright, pu- 
bescent stems, and with two large leaves, which are radical, or 
proceeding directly from the root, ovate lanceolate, or gradu- 
ally tapering to a point. The flowers are red or purple, with 
four spreading petals — the two at the side beiug less in width. 
Its time of flowering is in May and June. 

Medical Uses. — The difierent species of plants bearing this 
name are considered to possess nearly the same medical proper- 
ties. Its great value consists in its excellent virtues as a ner- 
vine — not being accompanied by any injurious tendencies — but 
having very beneficial results in cramps or spasms, in allay- 
ing pain and quieting the nerves, or in imparting rest and 
repose. It is useful in nervous fevers, epilepsy, trembling, 
delirium, and other nervous disorders. The root is the part 




Ctpripedium Humile, (Red Lady's-Slippfer.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 89 

selected for medical purposes, and may be prepared by way of 
infusion. It should be gathered in the spring before the tops 
begin to grow much, or in the fall, after they begin to die. 
After digging they should be carefully separated, washed clean, 
and dried in the sun or in a dry, airy room. When fully dry 
they should be packed away for use. The yellow Lady's Slip- 
per is called American valerian. 



IjA.YE^T>YR.— {Lavandula spica.) 



{Properties.) — Akomatic, Cakminative, Nekvine, Stimu- 
lant, Tonic. 



Description. — The stem of this plant is two feet or more in 
hight, spreading into many square, slim, pubescent branches, 
and set with opposite, narrow, sea-green leaves, without foot- 
stalks. It produces small, blue, labiate flowers, arranged in 
the form of terminal spikes, which usually appear in August. 

Medical Uses. — This, as a medicine, strengthens the head 
and brain, and may be used with good success in apoplexy, 
epilepsy, paralysis, lethargy, vertigo, frequent fainting or 
swooning, nervous headache, and hysteria. 

An infusion of the flowers of Lavender, Tioreliound and 
fennel.^ with asparagus roots, and a little cinnamon, may be 
profitably used in epilepsy and vertigo. It strengthens the 
stomach and obviates obstructions of the liver and spleen. 
Some of the infusion of the flowers in wine, held in the mouth, 
remedies pains in the teeth — likewise taken, and externally 
applied, afibrds relief in cases of colic. The distilled water 
of the flowers, taken in the dose of two spoonsful each, reme- 
dies loss of voice, trembling, or palpitation of the heart, and 
is valuable to regulate the menses. The essence is a very 
convenient form of medicine, and may be substituted for the 
above complaints. When the body is replete with blood 
and humors, it would be weU to dispense with the use of 
Lavender. 



90 people's physician. 

LETTUCE. — {Lachica sativa.) 
{Properties^ — Anodyne, Aperient, Dhjeetic. 



jjfedical Uses. — Garden Lettuce is naturally cooling, and is 
available in heart-burn. The expressed juice with the oil of 
roses, applied to the temples, or forehead, procures sleep, allays 
heat and pains of the head. This plant when boiled and 
eaten is a mild aperient — it aids digestion, quenches thirst, 
increases milk in nurses, relieves griping pains of bilious 
colic, etc. An external application of the expressed juice, 
with red roses, to the regions of the heart, liver, and kidneys, 
represses heat and inflammation. The use of Lettuce should, 
however, be withheld from persons who expectorate blood, or 
have any imperfection of the lungs. It is prepared, and 
sometimes used in the form of extract. Lettuce is esteemed 
a wholesome, aperient, bitter anodyne. 



LICOEICE.— ( GhjcyrrUza gJalra.) 
{Properties.) — Demulcent, Expectoeant, Pectoral. 



Medical Uses. — This root, boiled in pure water, with some 
of the herb maidenhair and figs, is of very good use in dry 
coughs, hoarseness, shortness of breath, asthmatic difficulties, 
and other affections of the chest and lungs. The extract or 
juice of Licorice, with some of the white gum tragacanth, 
dissolved in rose-water.^ is also a very profitable medicine in 
hoarseness, wheezing respiration, etc. Infusions, or the ex- 
tract made from Licorice, which is called Spanish licorice,, 
afibrd likewise very commodious vehicles for the exhibition 
of other medicines. 




Ctpripedixjm Pubescens, (Lady's- Slipper.] 



10 



MATERIA MEDICA. 91 

LIFE-E YEEL ASTIN"G.— ( Gna^phalium polycepMum.) 
(Properties.) — Pectoeal, Sudorific, Tonic. 



Description. — This is a sweet s'cented, herbaceons plant, 
growing a foot or more in hight, and producing many heads 
of flowers, of a tawny color, which appear in Jnly and 
August. It is found about fields and woods, or in dry, sandy 
grounds. 

Medical Uses. — Persons affected with colds, coughs, or 
threatened with fever, will derive much benefit from drink- 
ing a warm infusion or tea of this plant, as it is calculated to 
throw off the disease, by determining to the surface through 
perspiration. It is also useful in other affections of the chest, 
and in hemorrhages, diarrhea, or weakness of the bowels, 
strains, and internal injuries. 



LILY OF THE Y KLLWi .—Convallaria magalis.) 
{Properties) — Caediac, Cephalic, Purgative. 



Description. — The root of Lily of the Yalley or May Uly.^ 
is small, fibrous, and creeps in the ground, after the manner 
of grass roots. It has a considerable number of leaves, and a 
dwarfish stem, half a foot in hight, supplied with many small, 
white flowers, with turned borders, like little bells, of a 
strong, agreeable odor. These are succeeded by red berries, 
somewhat resembling those of asparagus. It is frequently 
cultivated in European gardens, as well as in the United 
States, and is found growing wild on both continents. As its 
name implies, it flowers in May. The fruit or berry is three- 
celled, containing seeds which mature in September. 

Medical Uses. — Thi&, as a medicine, is very well ealeulated 



92 people's physician. 

to stimulate and reinvigorate the brain, heart, or vital parts. 
The distilled water may be successfully used in inflammation of 
the eyes, films, or specks on the cornea. The flowers, infused 
in wine, helps palsy, and are excellent in apoplexy. The roots 
are considered emetic and purgative: — half a tea spoonful of 
the powder is generally sufficient to produce an active purga- 
tive effect. The powder of either flowers or roots, acts as 
a sternutatory, or promotes sneezing. The cathartic action, 
or operation of the roots, is not very dissimilar to that of 
aloes and squills, which are held in popular use as purgative 
medicines. 



LIYEWW OUT. —{mpatica irilola.) 

{Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Deobsteuent, Pec- 
toral. 



Description. — Liverwort has radical or root leaves, sup- 
ported on footstalks from three to seven inches in length, 
trilobed, or divided into three lobes, somewhat smooth and 
tough., like leather or parchment, and of a sea-green on the 
inferior di-sk or under surface. The root, which is peren- 
nial and fibrous, gives rise, likewise, to some round, short 
pubescent stems, each surmounted by a solitary flower, white, 
and presenting a shade of blue. TV^e find this plant in flower 
in the early part of the year, growing in damp, shady soils, 
in forests, or by sides of elevated grounds. 

Medical Uses. — This plant possesses remarkable eflScacy 
for persons whose livers have become corrupted or deranged, 
by surfeits or luxurious living, which usually gives rise to 
cutaneous eruptious. It is useful in jaundice, as well as in 
all hepatic complaints; strengthens and protects the liver 
against disease, arrests fluor albus, the spread of ring-worms, 
and running sores, obviates the heat, irritation, or inflam- 
mation of the kidneys, and other organs. It is given, also, 
iR diseases of the chest and luno-s. Liverwort should be 




Lobelia luflata 




Lobelia Lnflata, (Lobelia.) 



i 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 93 

taken after having been first bruised, and prepared in small- 
leer^ by way of decoction, as a remedy for the foregoing dis- 
orders. 



LOBELIA. — {Lobelia injlata.) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Emetic, Expectoeant, Su- 
dorific. 

Description, — This plant is sometimes called Indian to- 
hacGO, or bladder-podded Lobelia. It rises with an upright, 
branched, hairy, angular stalk, between one and two feet in 
hight, furnished with ovate, tapering leaves, sessile, or without 
footstalks, serrated or sharply notched on the edges, scattered 
or thinly set, and alternately arranged, — supplied, moreover, 
with racemous branches of bluish flowers. The capsule is 
oval and inflated. The seeds are brown, and very small. 

Medical Uses. Lobelia, as an emetic, is very valuable, 
acting with pecuKar, prompt, and most salutary efiect on the 
entire system, by producing a sudden and radical change in 
the morbid or diseased state of the organs, in all cases which 
indicate an emetic form of medicine. It is highly useful in 
cases of asthma, and has been administered with admirable 
success against the effects of all poison, or bites of mad dogs, 
which are so often attended with fatal consequences. The 
mode of use is by way of a tea, tincture, or powder, — two or 
three tea spoonsful of the spirit tincture, for adults, speedily 
renders the respiration free and easy in cases of asthma. This 
tincture, likewise, may be used externally for contusions, cuts 
or wounds, inflammations, swellings, and sores. Small doses 
promote the expectoration of phlegm in coughs. 

This species of Lobelia is a sedative, the operation of which 
is very similar to that of tobacco, but is safer and more man- 
ageable. It has been employed very successfully in diseases 
of the air passages, and as an arterial sedative in fevers, as it 
acts in the same wa}^ as large doses of tartarized antimony. 
It acts as an emetic in doses of one scruple. 



94 people's physician. 

LOOQESTmYE.—{Zyt]irumsaUcaria.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Yulneraky. 



Description. — Purple Loosestrife has a stalk some three 
feet in hight, set with entire, opposite, ternate leaves, incli- 
ning to a dark green color, pubescent on the inferior disk, 
somewhat narrow, broadest at the base, and gradually taper- 
ing to a point. The flowers are purple, axillary, or arranged 
in a spike like form, in clusters, one above another, consist- 
ing of five petals, with a roundish, waved termination. These 
are succeeded by membranous capsules, covered by the calyx, 
and containing numerous small seeds. It grows wild in the 
Eastern States, usually by rivers, water courses, or in wet 
grounds, displaying its flowers in the months of July and 
August. 

Medical Uses. — Loosestrife possesses a cooling quality, 
and is of great use as an application for sore eyes ; at the 
same time, ewphrasia or eye-hright.^ should be used internally. 
The distilled water is a present remedy for injuries of the 
eye, and for blindness, provided the crystalline lens be not 
too much injured or impaired ; this has been proved from ex- 
perience. It clears the eyes of dust, or of any thing \yhich 
may casually have found its way into them, and preserves 
the sight. It is available in gashes or incised wounds, pre- 
pared by way of ointment, after the following manner : To 
every ounce of the distilled water, add sugar, bees-wax, and 
May butter without salt — one ounce each. Simmer these in- 
gredients together: in this, when cold, linen tents should be 
dipped, applied to the wound, and the part covered, also, with 
a linen cloth folded, and spread with the ointment. 

The distilled water quenches inordinate thirst, and used in 
the form of a lotion, together with an application of some 
of the leaves, cleanses and heals all kinds of ulcers and 
sores. Employed as a gargle, it cures quinsy and scrofula 
in the throat. It may be used, likewise, as a wai'm lotion, 



MATERIA M E D I C A . 95 

to remove spots, blemishes, and scabious eruptions from the 
skin. In inveterate cases of diarrhea and dysentery, the 
bowels should be first cleared by suitable purgative medi- 
cines ; after which, loosestrife may be successfully adminis- 
tered by way of decoction, or powder. 

Dose. — Four table spoonsful of the decoction of the root, or 
a tea spoonful of the powder, three times a day. 



LOYAGE. — {Ligusticum levisiicum.) 

{Properties.) — CAEirmAxivE, Diaphoeetic, Stimulant, Sto- 
machic. 

Description. — This is an herbaceous plant, having a large 
fistular, furrowed, green stem, furnished with pinnate leaves, 
on the large petioles of which are set smooth, glossy, dark 
green leaflets, cut about the edges, broader at the termination 
than at the base, — the stem branches at the top into large, 
terminal umbels of yellow flowers. These are followed by 
small, flattened, ovate oblong, aromatic seeds, of a brownish 
color. The whole plant, moreover, is stongly aromatic, and 
of a warm, biting taste. The root is perennial, grows large, 
thick, deep and spreading, brownish externally, and whitish 
within. It is cultivated in gardens, and flowers in July. 

Medical Uses. — Lovage may be administered in the form 
of infusion, or powder, as best suits convenience. A tea- 
spoonful of the powder of the root, taken in wine, obviates 
waterbrash, warms the stomach, aids digestion, alleviates 
flatulence and colic, — also pains of the body proceeding from 
colds. It is a powerful diuretic and emmenagogue. An 
infusion, of the herb or root has proved advantageous in chills 
and fever. The distilled water may be employed as an eye- 
water, for redness of the eyes and dimness of sight ; as a 
lotion, for freckles and blemishes of the face, and as a gargle 
in cases of quinsy, — also, taken several times, it helps pleu- 
risy. An application of the leaves, bruised, and fried in 
a little lard, speedily ripens and breaks boils. 



96 people's physician. 

LUNGWOET. — {Fulmojiaria officinalis.) 
{Properties.) — Demulcent, Pectoral, Styptic. 



Description, — Lungwort has a rough, upright, cornered 
stem, a foot in hight, set with leaves between ovate and oblong, 
having a pointed termination, with white dots interspersing 
the upper surface, and alternately arranged on the stem. The 
flowers appear at the top, irregularly set, and growing in 
bunches of a crimson color. The root is perennial. 

Medical Uses. — Lungwort is employed in consumption, 
coughs of long standing, hemoptysis, catarrhs, and other dis- 
orders of the lungs and chest. An infusion of this plant, 
together with hyssop^ elecampane^ JioreJioiind^ and the herb 
maidenhair., is considered a sure remedy for coughs. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful night and morning. The plant, 
moreover, employed in the form of a lotion or wash, promotes 
the cure of ulcers attended with profuse discharge. 



MADDER. — {RuMa tinctorium.) 
{Properties.) — Diuketic, Emmenagogue, Tonic. 



Description. — Madder has long, slender, square, somewhat 
reddish, procumbent stems — widely trailing or climbing — 
rough and jointed. At each joint, are arranged around the 
stem in a whorl, or star-like form, long, rough, pointed, ellip- 
tical leaves. At the separate joints, likewise, are a couple of 
shoots, branching, and bearing at the termination small, 
yellow, monopetalous flowers. ISText follow round heads, or 
berries, green at first, then reddish, and black when matured — 
with two cells and two seeds. The root is red and very clear, 
w^hen fresh, assuming a darker hue when dried, comprising 
long, descending, as well as long, lateral radicles or fibres, near 



MATERIA MEDICA. 97 

the surface of the soil. We find it cultivated in Ohio and 
some other States. It flowers toward the last of summer, 
and the berries mature quiekly after. The root is kept at 
drug stores. 

Medical Uses. It is an asserted remedy for jaundice, by 
removing obstructions of the biliary duct, or by cleansing the 
liver and gall, and a remedy, also, for depression of spirits, 
paralysis, sciatica, and external or internal injuries. An infu- 
sion should be prepared, and some honey or sugar added, when 
used for the above purposes, as occasion requires. The seed, 
taken with vinegar and honey, obviates tumefaction and en- 
largement of the spleen. The root is considered to be emmen- 
agogue. 



MAGNOLIA 'm'EE.—{21ag7iolia yulan.) 
{Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. This fine tree, which is most elegant in its 
flowers and foliage, seldom attains an elevation above twenty- 
five feet, its stem frequently deviating from an erect line. 
The leaves are coriaceous, thick, oval, irregularly placed, of a 
light green on the upper, and of a fair -gea-gi-een on the inferior 
disk. The flowers are solitary, or singly set, highly fragrant, 
of a snowy whiteness, and consisting of fourteen leaves, with 
a broad, rounded terminatioiR, or in form inversely ovate. 
We find this tree near the eastern seaboard of the United 
States, extending south, but seldom very far in the interior. 
It is found in blossom, variously, according to climate, usu- 
ally between May and July, abounding in woods, by sides of 
hills, and about swamps or low grounds. 

Medical Uses. The bark of the root furnishes an excellent 
tonic, and as such, soon restores the impaired digestive organs 
to a healthy action, obviates weakness of the stomach, and 
removes general knguor or debility. It possesses a febrifuge 



98 people' 



S PHYSICIAN. 



quality, and is of great use in intermittent fevers ; from one 
to two even tea spoonsful is the usual dose, in powder. The 
seed, likewise, is very effectual, and is often used in cases of 
protracted rheumatism and dyspepsia. A more strengthen- 
ing bitter than the bark furnishes will seldom come within 
ransre of use. 



•to' 



MAIDENHAIR. — {Adiantuvi pedatum.) 
{Properties.) — Expectorant, Pectoral, Yebmifuge. 



Medical Uses. — This plant is a species of fern, having 
properties, for the most part, similar to those of other ferns. 
Its leaves, usually called fronds, are somewhat bitter in taste, 
and contain an astringent, aromatic mucilage. It expels 
worms, promotes the expectoration of mucus, is useful in 
coughs, colds, influenza, and other afiections of the chest and 
lungs. 



MALLOWS. — {Malva sylmstris.) 



Description. — ^This kind of mallows abounds in England, 
nevertheless, is found in some gardens of the United States. 
It has a long, stout, perennial root, with a goodly number of 
strong fibres, giving rise to a round, upright stalk, strong, and 
varying in high t, ..^sometimes one and a., half feet, and again 
two feet or more, well furnished%ith alternate leaves, on long 
footstalks, roundish, slightly divided into segments or lobes, 
and irregularly Botched on the edges. The flowers arepenta- 
petalous, or consisting of five petals, inversely heart-shaped, 
purple, marked with veins, each flower surmounting a pe- 
duncle, which proceeds from the axil of the leaf stalk. It is 
found in the flower throughout the summer. From the difier- 
ent species of mallows I here designate three kinds, which 
are used for medical purposes, being closely allied in their 



MATERIA MEDICA. 99 

properties. The common, low, dwarf mallows — {Malva 
■ToUindifolia^ is very common in the United. States, especi- 
ally in Kew England, by fence sides, in lanes, and about resi- 
dences. The whole order is characterized by wholesome and 
mucilaginous qualities. 



^LKK^'miLKlAJdl^'^.—^Althma officinalis) 

{Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Emollient, Pec- 
toral. 



Description. — This plant rises with a stem usually three 
or four feet in hight, hoary, branched near the summit, and 
set with pubescent or downy leaves, oblong, broad at the 
base, lobed, somewhat pointed at the termination, and un- 
equally notched on the edges. It produces flowers consisting 
of five petals, of a very light purple or blush color, scalloped, 
and broader at the termination than at the base, or inversely 
heart-shaped. The root is perennial, and contains long shoots, 
proceediog from a common head, pliant and tough, of a pale 
straw color on the exterior, and whitish within. It is found 
about marshes, near the sea, flowering in July and August. 

Medical Uses. — In malignant, or severe cases of dysentery 
and bloody flux, attended with much pain, erosion or excori- 
ation of the bowels, a decoction of Mallows in'milk or water, 
is greatly relied on, as a very salutary remedy : this obtunds 
and incrassates the acrimonious humors or thin fluids, sub- 
dues the irritation and pain, and heals the internal soreness. 
It is useful in strangury, gravel, or nephritic complaints, to 
cleanse, lubricate, and relax the passages, and abate the attend- 
ant heat, irritation, and pain in such cases. It may be profit- 
ably taken in ruptures or internal injuries, hurts or strains, 
resulting from blows, falls, or over-exertion — and is, moreover, 
beneficial in asthma, hoarseness, whooping cough, pleurisy, 
and other disorders of the chest and lungs. The mucilage of 
the roots, together with the mucilage of linseed, may be used 



100 people's physician. 

by way of poultices, ointments, etc., in burns and scalds, 
erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, scrofula of the throat, scrofu- 
lous sore eyes, swollen breasts of women, and to emoUi- 
ate and disperse tumors, swellings, or inflammations in any 
locality. Such persons as are troubled with enlargement of 
the liver and spleen, should make use of a poultice prepared 
from a decoction of the leaves, with the addition of hean or 
harley flour, and oil of roses, from which they will derive 
great benefit. A decoction of the flowers or leaves, with 
some alum, used as a gargle, speedily cures cankers or ulcer- 
ations of the mouth and fauces — and these leaves, bruised 
with 7iitre, may be applied to extract or draw splinters from 
the flesh. The juice or decoction, with a little wine, conduces 
to an easy and speedy parturition. The root of Marsh- 
mallow is the part chiefly used in medicine, or the roots and 
leaves of the two former mallows. An infusion of either 
kind, or of any part, may be used to suit convenience, and as 
circumstances require. 



MANDRAKE. — Podophyllum peltatum.) 
{Properties.) — Cathartic, Deobstruent, Emetic, JSTarcotic. 



Description. — Mandrake or May apple, has a smooth 
stem, usually a foot in hight, parted at the top into two foot- 
stalks, each supporting a broad, peltate leaf, deeply divided or 
cut into lobes, somewhat of a yellowish green on the upper 
surface. At the top of the stem, also, on a flowerstalk between 
the leafstalks, appears a nodding, white flower, being in bloom 
the last of May, the petals of which are blunt at the termin- 
ation and smaller at the base. The flower gives place to a 
large, roundish head or fruit, of a delicate yellow when 
mature, interspersed with spots of a dark hue. It is found 
in shady, humid soils, or low, moist grounds of woods. 

Medical Uses. — The root of this plant is the part designed 




Podophyllum Peltatust, (May-apple.) 



11 



MATERIA MEDICA. 101 

for medicinal purposes ; which is a sure and actire cathartic ; 
not attended, however, bj any unpleasant results, but produc- 
ing full and free evacuations. It is considered to act as an 
alterative, when moderately taken, in hepatic or liver com- 
plaints. Every part of the plant partakes of a narcotic 
property. The root is emetic as well as purgative. Useful 
in dropsy and pleurisy. 

Dose. — For purgative or cathartic effect, half a tea spoonful 
of the powder. The Cherokee Indians put a few drops of the 
fresh juice into the ear for deafness. 



MAEIGOLD. — ( Calendula offidnalis.) 

{Properties) — Apebient, Aromatic, Cardiac, Stomachict, 
Sudorific. 

Medical U^es. — Marigold is a plant usually growing in 
gardens, and bearing yellow flowers, which appear through- 
out the summer. It is strengthening to the stomach, and as 
a medicine, is little less effectual in small-pox, chicken-pox, 
rash, and measles, than saffron^ which it is sometimes used to 
adulterate. The juice of the leaves, with some vinegar, may 
be used to advantage in ulcers, and swellings attended with 
irritation or inflammation. The flowers, either fresh or dried, 
are of good use in sirups and drinks, to reinvigorate the 
spirits. A plaster, prepared from the powder of th« flowers, 
lard, turpentine, and resin, applied to the breast, strengthens 
and supports the debilitated patient in fevers. 



'M.KB.^OUA.'K.— {Origanum vulgar e.J 

{Properties.) — Ai^riPHARMic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Sudo- 
rific, Tonic 

Description. — ^Wild Marjoram has an agreeable, aromatic 
smell, and a pungent taste. It rises from a spreading, per- 



102 people's physician. 

ennial root, with square, hard, brownish stems, branched into 
three parts, about a foot and a half in hight, furnished with 
opposite, ovate leaves, in color inclining to a deep green. It 
bears monopetalous flowers, of a roseate hue, placed in the 
form of tufts, or spiked panicles. The seeds are small, and 
somewhat darker than those of the Sweet Majoram. It is 
found about the borders of fields, or similar places, flowering 
from June to 0-ctober, 

Medical Uses. — Wild Marjoram is strengthening to the 
head and stomach — restores lost appetite — and there is scarce 
a better remedy known for dyspepsia, or acidity of the stomach. 
It is useful in coughs, or pulmonary disorders, cleanses the 
stomach of biliary matter, and obviates infirmities of the 
spleen. This is said to counteract ill efiects of hemlock^ hen- 
hane^ or opium. It acts as an emmenagogue and diuretic ; 
and is considered available in dropsy, jaundice, scurvy, and 
cutaneous eruptions. It is usually employed by way of in- 
fusion. The dried leaves are employed in medicinal baths 
and fomentations. 



MA'RSK-T^.OSE^AUY.—iStaticeCaroUniana.) 
{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Astringent, Tonic. 



Description. — Marsh-rosemary rises with bunches or 
clusters of leaves, blunt, ending with a small point, much 
broader at the termination than at the base, and with long 
footstalks. The flowerstalk, which varies from one half to 
a foot in hight, more or less, spreads near the top, and 
bears loosely imnicled, small, purplish flowers, the petals of 
which are blunt, and with a narrow, dwindling base. It is 
found about salt marshes and sea-coasts, — its time of flower- 
ing is in August and September. 

Medical Uses. — The large, tapering, brownish root of this 
plant, is the part used in medicine, and furnishes one of the 
most powerful astringents which we find in the Materia 




Angelica Atropurpurea, (Masterwort.) 




AscLEnAS Syeica, (Cotton-weed.) 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 103 

Medica. It is principally used as a gargle in complaints of 
canker in the moutli and throat — likewise, in malignant or 
putrid sore throat, by way of external application, and taken 
in the form of a tea. It is considered to be tonic and anti- 
septic, and may be used to advantage in gangrenous tenden- 
cies and dysentery. 



MASTEEWOET.— (Zr^mcZ^wTTi lannatum.) 
{Projoerties.) — Carminative, Diuretic, Nervine, Stimulant. 



{Description.) — Masterwort, or cow-parsnip^ is an indige- 
nous species, and rises with a large, fistular, pubescent stem, 
about three or four feet in hight, furnished with ternate leaves, 
comprising leaflets, lanate or woolly on the inferior disk, 
somewhat of a roundish, or cordate form, cut into lobes, and 
with footstalks. It bears large umbels of white flowers, each 
consisting of five petals, — these give place to round seeds. 
It inhabits meadows, borders, or corners of fields, having a 
long whitish, perennial root, with a few fibres, and displays 
its flowers in June. 

Medical Uses. — Masterwort is useful in sick-headache, 
cold aflections of the stomach, flatulency, dropsy, jaundice, 
epilepsy, gastric disorders, or inflammation of the stomach, 
colic, and nervous afi*ectious. 

Dose — Of the dried root from two to three drachms. 



MAYWEED OR WILD CHAMOMILE.— (^?^^Am^5 cotula.) 



{Properties) — Antiseptic, Anthysteric, Diaphoretic, 
Stomachic, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. — This also bears the name of dog fennel. 
It has a very disagreeable smell, and the leaves a strong, 



104 people's physician. 

acrid, bitterish taste. The stem is herbaceous, well branched, 
usually growing between one and two feet in bight, and fur- 
nished with soft, finely divided, bipinnate leaves, or leaves 
comprising pinnate leaflets — these are pointed, linear, slen- 
der, or of very small width. On the tops of the branches, 
the flowers appear singly, with a yellow disk or center, radi- 
ated or bordered with white leaves. It has a small, taper 
root, with numerous small fibres, of a light brownish color. 
We find this plant cultivated in gardens, as well as growing 
wild, by roadsides, or in waste, neglected grounds. It flowers 
from the last of May to September. 

Medical Uses. — This plant possesses qualities much Hke 
those of cliamoTiiile., though not of equal strength. The 
flowers, prepared by way of infusion, are used to great ad- 
vantage in hysteria, and various female complaints ; biliary 
derangements, irritable and sensitive conditions of the nervous 
system, spasms of the bowels ; and is excellent in bilious, 
watery diarrhea, also in diarrhea of children in time of teeth- 
ing. This infusion or tea is excellent drink for the debilitated 
patient in cases of dysentery or bloody flux, as it both strength- 
ens the stomach, and by its antiseptic quality, tends to prevent 
mortification of the bowels. It likewise procures appetite, aids 
digestion, and is rendered more eflective, in some cases, with 
a little wine. 



MELILOT OK KIXG'S Ql.O\EV..—{Jj:eUloius officinalis.) 
{Properties.) — Axodyxe, Cephalic, Demulce>"t, Discm- 

ENT, EmOLLIEXT, ToXIC. 

Description. — Melilot is an herbaceous, leguminous, plant, 
with green stems, rising from a perennial, long, tough, white 
root. Leaves alternate, and trifoliate — leaflets unequally 
notched about the edges. Flowers, yellow, of a pleasant 
scent, alternately arranged three or four inches apart, on long, 
terminal spikes. These are followed by legumes, or pods, 
containing flat, brownish seeds. This plant in taste is un- 



MATERIA MEDICA." IQS 

pleasant, subacrid, subsaline, but not bitter ; when fresh it 
has scarcely any smell ; in drying it acquires a pretty strong 
one, of the aromatic kind, but not agreeable. It flowers in 
June and July. 

Medical Uses. — The flowers of Melilot and of cTiamomile 
may be used in form of enemas to expel flatulence, and alle- 
viate pain : in form of poultices, likewise, to remedy swelling 
of the spleen. A poultice, made of boiled Melilot with the 
addition of the yolk of a roasted e^g^ and either fine flour, 
poppy seeds^ or endive^ is well calculated to emolliate and re- 
duce tumors and indurated swellings in any part of the body. 
It allays pains of the stomach, either applied fresh, or boiled 
with any of the above ingredients. The head may be washed 
with a lye, prepared from Melilot, to arrest the spread of 
tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp. The expressed juice 
is said to obviate specks on the cornea. To wash the head 
often with the distilled water of the herb and flowers, or 
with a lye made of the herb, is considered of advantage in 
cases of sudden temporary deprivation of the senses, — it 
strengthens the memory, and imparts new vigor to the brain — 
preserves it from pain, and shields it from the attacks of 
apoplexy. The principal use of Melilot has been in clysters, 
fomentations, and other external applications. 



MILK- WEED OE SILK- WEED.— (^5C%^^ syriaca.) 



{Properties) — Axodyxe, Antisteumous, Diueetic, Expec- 

TOEAXT, SUDOEIFIC. 

Description. — The stems of this milky plant are from two 
to four feet in hight, undivided, or having no branches, and 
furnished with opposite, entire, oblong leaves, gradually taper- 
ing to a point, preseiiting a soft, somewhat downy under 
surface. Flowers, light purple, sweet scented, arranged in 
two or three umlels^ proceeding from between the petioles, 
and being nutant or nodding — calyx, five parted — corolla, 



106 people's physician. 

monopetalous and five lobed — seed vessel follicular, with one 
valve opening longitudinally — seeds numerous, and attached 
to a long, silky down. We find it in barren, sandy grounds, 
on hills and banks of rivers, or waste places, near the Eastern 
coast of the United States, and elsewhere, producing flowers 
in July and August. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Milkweed is much used in 
cases of asthma, scrofula, strangury, and dropsy. The best 
mode of administration is by way of decoction : — for this pur- 
pose, add a pound of the root to one gallon of water, and 
boil to the consumption of one-half; permit to cool, then add 
a quart of the best Holland gin ; — cork tight, and place aside 
for use. 

Dose. — A wine glassful, three or four times a day. 



MOTHER- WOKT.—(Z^^72 urus cardiaca.) 

{Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Xervine, Par- 
turient, Pectoral, Stomachic. 



Description. — It has a hard, square, rough, brownish stalk, 
from two to four feet in hight, spreading into branches. 
Leaves opposite, somewhat long and elliptical, crumpled or 
wrinkled, of a dull green color, deeply edged with teeth, and 
with long footstalks. Flowers of a red or purple color, placed 
at stated distances, in opposite, nearly sessile axillary cymes, 
or in a whorl-like form, after the manner of halm or hoar- 
Jiound. These give place to a provision of small, round, 
blackish seeds. The root sends forth a number of long strings 
and small fibres, taking strong hold in the ground, of a dark 
yellowish, or brownish color, and is perennial. It usually 
grows in gardens. 

Medical Uses. — The leaves of Mother-wort have a dis- 
agreeable smell and a bitter taste, yet are familiarly and 
effectually brought into requisition for female complaints, 



MATERIA MEDICA. 107 

and perhaps, for this purpose, no medicine is more exten- 
Bively used. It is a universal uterine medicine. A spoonful 
of the pulverized herb in Holland gin, is an invaluable aid 
in parturition. It acts as a vermifuge, diuretic, and emmena- 
gogue — likewise, may be employed in palpitation of the heart, 
fainting or swooning, neuralgic pains, or nervous disorders, 
cramps or convulsions, lassitude, or drooping spirits. It 
removes cold phlegm oppressing the chest. The herb, or 
root, procures sleep, allays pain and spasms. This may be 
prepared by way of infusion or sirup, for many purposes. 
The tincture is used in table spoonful doses. 



MUGWOET. — (Artemisia vulgaris.) 



{Properties.) — Antepileptic, Deobstruent, Discutient, 
Keevine, Tonic. 

Description. — Mugwort is a perennial plant, having radical 
leaves much divided, or deeply cut in about the edges, after 
the manner of wormwood^ but larger, of a dark green on the 
upper surface, and hoary beneath. The stem rises from three 
to four feet or more, in hight, furnished with smaller leaves 
than those proceeding from the root ; spreading near the top 
into racemous branches, set with smaR, yellowish, hemispheri- 
cal flowers, or in form resembling buttons. These are followed 
by small seeds, inclosed in indehiscent, dry pericarps. The 
root is loDg, taking strong hold in the ground with many 
small fibers. It is found by water courses, and elsewhere, 
flowering the latter part of summer. 

Medical Uses. — An ointment may be prepared from the root 
of this plant, lard, and some field daisies^ if obtainable, as 
an efiectual remedy for wens, glandular swellings, or king^s- 
evil. The expressed juice is said to be an especial antidote 
for persons who have swallowed overdoses of opium. The 
powder of the leaves, taken by the dose of three spoonsful 



108 people's physician. 

in Holland gin, is considered a sure and speedy remedy in 
sciatica, and epilepsy or fits. An infusion of the herb, to- 
gether with chamomile^ employed in the form of an external 
application, obviates pains of chronic rheumatism, cramps, etc. 



MULBEEKY.— (J/brw5 nigra.) 

{Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antiphakmic, Antiptrotic, 
Astringent, Cathartic, Demulcent. 



Description. — This kind of Mulberry is a tree of medium 
size, and is very common in the United States, where it has 
long been introduced. It has rough, lobed, irregularly den- 
tate leaves, in form between heart-shaped and ovate ; and its 
fruit is well known to be of a dark purple, or approaching to 
black, being ripe in July and August. 

Medical Uses. — Mulberries are sub-acid, cooling or reviv- 
ing, lubricating and laxative, and are considered by some to 
furnish a very good drink in fevers. The unripe berries are 
the reverse, being astringent or binding, especially when 
dried, and may be used to check some forms of diarrhea and 
dysentery. The bark of the root is said to expel the tape 
worm, and to act as a cathartic. A sirup made from the 
juice of the fruit, may be used as an agreeable gargle, in in- 
flammation and canker in the mouth and throat, as well as 
in prolapsus uvulse, or falling of the uvula, commonly called 
palate. The expressed juice of the leaves is said to be an 
antidote for overdoses of aconite. 

Bruised Mulberry leaves, employed by way of external 
application, arrest the bleeding piles, and may be used as a 
styptic for other purposes, — the same, beaten with vinegar, 
are considered useful in burns and scalds, being applied or 
bound on to the part affected. 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 109 

MULLEIIT. — ( Yerbasciim tJiapsus.) 



{Properties) — Anodyne, Astkingent, Demulcent, Discu- 
TiENT, Pectoral, Tonic. 



Description. — This plant appears with large, somewhat^ 
elliptical, whitish green, woolly leaves, lying upon the ground. 
The stem is usually from two to four feet in hight, erect, un- 
divided, or very rarely branched near the top, leafy up to 
the flowers, which are yellow, and formed into a long, dense 
spike ; — these are followed by brownish seeds, contained in 
small heads compacjjy attached to the spike. The root is 
somewhat long, wmti^h, and slightly tapering. It grows by 
roadsides, in pastures, neglected fields, as well as in other 
places, flowering in July, or near that time. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction of the root or leaves of Mul- 
lein may be used with very good efiect in diarrhea and dysen- 
tery, in ruptures, cramps, pains of the stomach, deeply-seated 
protracted coughs, colds, and other pulmonary complaints. 
A tea of Mullein, likewise, is useful in stoppage of urine, and 
agues. An infusion of the leaves with sage, marjoram, and 
chamomile flowers, is employed successfully as an application 
in rheumatic afi*ections of the joints and limbs, in conjunction 
with a strong infusion of the flovrers as a beverage. - Though 
this disorder may not seem to yield to medicines, immediately, 
yet they should still be persisted in. Excellent medicines are 
discontinued, frequently in this disease, because they do not 
perform an immediate cure, — whereas, nothing would be more 
certain than their efiect, were they duly persisted in. Want of 
perseverance in the use of medicines, is one reason why chronic 
diseases are &o seldom cured. The powder of the flowers ob- 
viates colic, or pains of the bowels, and formed into an oint- 
ment, is a cure for the piles, scalds, and burns. An external 
application of the leaves or roots, prepared by way of decoc- 
tion, is valuable to resolve or disperse tumors, indurated and 
white swellings, and inflammation of the throat. Also, use- 



110 people's physician. 

ful in poultices applied to swellin<ys and contracted sinews. 
'' Mullein leaves smoked in a new pipe, which has never 
been used, is a sure and certain cure for bronchitis. A gen- 
tleman states that he has tried this, himself, and has seen it 
tried by others, and has never known it to fail in effecting a 
permanent cure." — ScientiJlG American. 



MUSTAED.— (^^^^«J9^5 7iigra.) 



{Properties) — Antipharmic, Diuretic, Emetic, Epispastic, 
Sternutatory, Stimulant. 



Description. — Mustard is an annual plant, about two feet 
in hight, furnished with considerably large, green, rough 
wrinkled, alternate leaves — lyrate-pinnate or gashed into 
unequal jags, on the edges, somewhat like turnip leaves. 
Flowers small, yellow, composed of four cruciate petals, 
alternate with the sepals. Stamens tetradynamous, that is, 
with six stamens, four of which are longer than the others. 
The flowers are followed by siliquas, or small elongated pods, 
with slender, flat ends, containing round, yellowish seeds, 
which have an acrid, pungent taste, and, when bruised, this 
pungency shows its volatility by affecting the organs of smell. 
It has a small, long root, is a common inhabitant of gardens, 
and flowers in June or July. 

Medical Uses. — Mustard is valuable in many complaints. 
Persons troubled with weak stomachs, should make free use 
of this with their food, especially aged persons who are 
troubled with cold complaints, impaired digestion, or loss 
of appetite: for such, prepare after this manner, — one tea 
spoonful of mustard seed ; one of cinnamon ; half a tea 
spoonful of mastic ; mix with some gum arabic, which should 
be previously dissolved in rose-water, — make the whole into 
troches, and administer half a drachm, or half a t-ea spoonful, 
an hour or two before eating. Mustard seed possesses warm- 




Myeerha, (Myrrh.) 



12 



MATERIA MEDIC A. Ill 

ing, discutient, attenuating, rubefacient, or drawing qualities, 
— used by way of decoction, acts as a diuretic — and taken 
prior to the cold paroxysms of agues gradually diminishes 
and removes them — a very strong decoction of the seed, 
copiously drank warm, proves an antidote by acting as a 
speedy emetic, in cases where persons have swallowed poison. 
Applied to the nostrils, temples, and forehead, at the same 
time employed internally, it has a good effect in epileptic fits, 
as well as stimulates and arouses the spirits in lethargic dis- 
orders, — likewise prevents fainting or swooning. As a sternu- 
tatory, it removes extraneous matter from the head, or pro- 
motes sneezing* As an external application, it disperses 
swellings about the throat, discusses humors, and alleviates 
sciatic, or rheumatic pains, pains in the shoulders, loins, or 
other parts of the body. Taken by itself, or with other ingre- 
dients, it obviates affections of the spleen, or pains in the 
sides, or gnawing pains of the bowels. 



MYllUlL—(3£yrrha.) 
(Properties.) — Antiseptic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Good Myrrh is of a turbid black-red color, 
solid and heavy, of a peculiar smell, and bitter taste. It is 
a gum-resin ; and its medical effects are warm and corrobo- 
rant. It has been given as an emmenagogue, in doses of 
from five to twenty grains. 

The tincture is applied to ulcers, and other external affec- 
tions of a putrid tendency, and also as a wash when diluted, 
for the teeth and gums. It likewise strengthens the stomach, 
aids digestion, and promotes the secretions. The tincture 
may be taken in doses of a tea, or table spoonful, more or 
less, according to the age and constitution of the patient. 

The tincture is made by putting three ounces of the pulver- 
ized gum in a bottle of rum or brandy, permitting it to 
remain in a sun-heat, often shaking, for nine or ten days, 
then pouring off into another bottle, and it will be fit for use. 



112 people's physician. 

lyETTLE.—(rrtica dloica.) 

Properties^ — Astedsge:^t. Di^eetic, Expectorant, Styp- 
tic, Tonic. — 

Medical Uses. — The stem and leaves of this plant are cov- 
ered with stiuging hairs, which are so well and proverbially 
known to be ungrateful to the touch, that it requires no fur- 
ther description. The nettle is considered useful to purify 
the blood, and it would be well to take the tops in the spring, 
in the edible form of greens, since thev consume the redund- 
ant phlegmatic humors which have been engendered and 
accumulated in the svstem throu2:h the winter. A decoction 
of the roots or leaves, made into a svrup with honey, or 
sugar, is a medicine perfectly harmless, besides being very 
beneficial, to obviate obstructions of the bronchial tubes, 
which occasion wheezing respiration and shortness of breath, 
and to facilitate the expectoration of tenacious mucus or 
phlegm : — the same exhausts bv expectoration the purulent 
matter in cases of pleurisy, — and gargled, or held in the 
mouth, removes swelling of the almonds of the throat or 
tonsils. The expressed juice, likewise, is curative in sore- 
ness, or inflammation of the mouth or throat, and obviates 
the relaxation of the uvula. It is said to be the most powerful 
styptic known. A decoction of the leaves or seeds expels 
worms in children, alleviates pains in the sides, acts as a 
diuretic, aud is said to prove effectual in bloody urine, and 
in voiding the mdnary calculus. "We often use the expressed 
juice to free the skin from roughness, or discolorings. Some 
of the leaves or seed, bruised and put into the nostrils, aiTests 
bleeding at the nose, and cures the disorder called polypus. 
A decoction of the leaves or root, employed in the form of a 
lotion, and the leaves subsequently applied, is highly valuable 
in cases of itch, recent cuts or wounds, eating or corrosive can- 
kers, gangrenous ulcers, — as well as to strengthen ^veak and 
palsied limbs, newly set joints, and to remove rhepr^atic diffi- 
culties. An ointment prepared from the expressu-d juice, oil, 
and a little bees'-wax, is excellent for cold and t }rpid limbs. 



MATERIA MEDIC- A. 113 

OAK.— ( Quercus.) 



{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Astringent, Febkifdge, Styptic, 
Tonic. 

Description, — The White Oak is a very well-known tree, 
abounding in the forests of the United States, and not iinfre- 
qiiently attaining a very large size. Its leaves have a peculiar 
shape, oblong, deeply sinnated or cut into jags or divisions 
on the edges, smooth, and of a dark green. The galls, which 
are so numerously found upon the leaves of this tree, are 
occasioned by a small insect, with four wings, called Cynips 
Querci Folii, which deposits an egg in the substance of the 
leaf, by making a small perforation through the under surface ; 
the ball presently begins to grow, and the egg in the center 
of it changes to a worm ; this worm again changes to a 
nymph, and the nymph to the flying insect above mentioned, 
which, by eating its passage out, leaves a round hole. Those 
galls which have no holes, are found to have the dead insect 
remaining in them. As a medicine, they are to be considered 
as applicable to the same indications as the oak bark, and by 
possessing a greater degree of stringent and styptic power, 
Beem to have an advantage over it, and to be better suited for 
external use. 

Medical Uses. — The leaves, acorn cups, and bark of the 
oak contain drying, astringent, bracing, or strengthening-; 
qualities. The inner bark of the tree, and the thin skin cov- 
ering the acorns, or the powder of the cups, may be used 
with great advantage to arrest vomiting, spitting of blood, 
diarrhea, dysentery, and bloody flux. For the purpose of ob- 
viating the force of poisonous herbs and medicines, or the ill 
effects of cantharides.) which have produced exulcerations of 
the bladder, and bloody urine, the patient may have recourse 
to a decoction of the bark and acorns prepared in milk. The 
bruised leaves are a very good application in recent cuts or 
wounds: a decoction of them or of the bark may be employed 



114 people's physician. 

either internally or externally, as occasion requires, to assuage 
inflammation, as well as to arrest all fluxes, or preternatural 
discharges. The same is asserted to be of advantage to resist 
the virus, and allay the heat in infectious, malignant, burning 
fevers, to obviate heat or inflammation of the liver, and ne- 
phritic complaints. The powder of acorns, taken in Holland 
gin, acts as a diuretic. There is, perhaps, no better remedy 
found than the extract of the oak, in cases of fluor albus. A 
decoction of the bark, with the addition of some alum, has 
been found highly useful in numerous cases of prolapsus 
uvula, or falling of the palate, employed by way of a gargle, 
and by way of enema in prolapsus uteri, leucorrhea, etc. 
The powder of the galls is peculiarly serviceable in hemor- 
rhoidal aflections. Oak galls are supposed to be the strongest 
astringent in the vegetable kingdom. Both water and spirit 
take up nearly all their virtue, though the spirituous extract 
is the strongest preparation. 

Dose. — Where the powder is required, from a few grains 
to half a drachm. 



OMOIlT. — {Allium cepa) 



(ProjpeHies') — Dicketic, Expectorant, Laxative, Pkopht- 
LACTic, Stimulant. 

Medical Uses. — Onions possess the property of imbibing 
the morbid effluvia, or noxious exhalations from persons dis- 
eased, and by this means counteracts the contagion of infec- 
tious maladies : — hence they are calculated to draw or extract 
the virus from malignant ulcers, and bites of rabid animals. 
For this last purpose, onion seed should be applied mixed 
with honey and I'ue. Onions, roasted and eaten with honey, 
or with sugar and oil, promote the expectoration of tenacious 
mucus, and are very conducive to cure inveterate coughs. 
The expressed juice is efficacious in scalds, and burns by fire 



MATERIA MEDICA. 115 

or gunpowder. Used with vinegar, it removes blemishes, or 
imperfections of the skin ; and dropped into the ears, termin- 
ates the pains and ringing noises in the same. The expressed 
juice, moreover, applied with figs beaten together, is condu- 
cive to maturate and break abscesses, boils, etc. Persons 
threatened with or having seated fevers, should have the 
half of a raw onion bonnd upon the sole of each foot at bed- 
time, being permitted to remain until morning, by which 
time the slices will have drawn, to a great extent, the febrile 
disorder from the system. A table spoonful of the juice ex- 
pressed from red onions, in their crude or raw state, given 
every half hour, is a sure and speedy remedy in extreme cases 
of suppressed urine ; a table spoonful, taken three times a 
day, is considered curative for dropsy ; and a tea spoonful, five 
or six times a day, is a valuable remedy in influenza, coughs, 
or colds upon the lungs. For croup, cut onions into thin 
slices, and place brown sugar between the layers ; when dis- 
solved, administer a tea spoonful of the sirup. It will aflTord 
immediate relief. Externally, they are employed, roasted, in 
poultices, to promote suppuration. 



PAESLEY. — {Apium petroselinum.) 



(Properties.) — Apeeiext, Demulcext, Diaphoeetic, Diu- 

EETIC. 

Description. — Parsley is a herbaceous plant, with an erect, 
furrowed, branching stem, two feet, more or less, in hight, 
set at the joints with leaves composed of ternate leaves, ar- 
ranged on each side of a common petiole, the divisions of 
which are linear or slender, and simple ; the leaflets of the 
radical ones are trilobed and notched on the edges. It bears 
compound umbels of small, yellow, pentapetalous flowers, 
and yields darkish green, small, roundish, or plano-convex 
seeds, of a warming, spicy taste. The root is biennial, half 



116 people's physician. 

an inch or more in thickness, tapering, and whitish on the 
exterior. 

Medical Uses. — The roots of Parsley, boiled and eaten 
YikQj)arsneps., remove obstructions of the liver and spleen, and 
are usefnl in cases of suppressed urine. The leaves, employed 
as an external application, are of much utility in swelling, 
heat or inflammation of the eyes ; — the same fried in butter 
with bread or meal, and applied to breasts hard or swollen, 
from lactic coagulation, speedily reduces the induration or 
swelling. 

The following is said to be a beneficial medicine in cases of 
dropsy, jaundice, strangury, or gravel complaints : — Take of 
the seeds of parsley, fennel^ anise^ and caraway^ an ounce 
each ; likewise, of the roots of Parsley and caraway^ an ounce 
and a half each — bruise the seeds, cut the roots fine, and 
steep the whole over night in a bottle of white wine, — in the 
morning simmer the same in a close earthen vessel, until a 
third part is consumed. After straining, take about two- 
thirds of a gill, morning and evening, abstaining three hours 
from drink, after using. This removes obstructions of the 
liver and spleen, and exhausts the dropsy and jaundice, by 
urinary evacuations. The juice of the fresh herb, or seed, is 
useful in coughs, and is asserted to have been used in lieu of 
quinine^ in cases of chills and fever. 



PASQUE FLOWER. {Anemone pratensis.) 



{Properties.) — Diuretic, Alterative, Cathartic, Errhine, 
Expectorant, 

Description. — It has a smooth, pubescent flower stem, less 
than two-thirds of a foot in hight. The leaves are of a sea- 
green color, bipinnate, and proceeding directly from the root. 
This plant has scarcely any smell, but its taste is extremely 
acrid, and when chewed, it inflames the tongue and fauces. 
The flowers, which appear in May and June, are of a dark 



MATERIA MEDICA. 117 

purple, and have numerous filaments, with yellow anthers. 
The root is perennial, and extends a number of stout fibres. 

Medical uses. — An infusion of this bitter, pungent plant, is 
eminently useful in scrofula or king's-evil, dropsy, diabetes, 
and suppressed menses; is likewise applied as a lotion or 
wash, or by way of ointment, and used at the same time in- 
ternally, in inflammation of the eyes, gutta serena, or palsied 
retina, cataract, opacity of the cornea, leprous and scorbutic 
affections ; — the same is excellent to cleanse and heal cor- 
rosive and malignant sores or ulcers, tinea capitis or scald 
head, sometimes called ring-worm of the scalp. It possesses 
remarkable properties to remove from the blood all virulent 
humors. The expressed juice snuffed up into the nose, acts 
as a powerful purgative to the head, and is excellent in coma 
or drowsiness. The plant, likewise, is a powerful expectorant 
to remove watery, or phlegmatic humors. A long time 
has elapsed since this flower was first introduced into the 
United States from Em-ope, and it now holds a prominent 
place in gardens for its elegance of ornament. The root is 
not designed for medical use. The other parts are sometimes 
used in the form of sirup, or extract, — for the eyes by way of 
distilled water, etc. 



PEACH. — {Armjgdalus persica) 
{Properties.) — Cathartic, Stomachic, Tonic, Yermifugb. 



Medical Uses. — As a medicine, the bark of this tree is 
strengthening, and at the same time adapted to evacuate the 
bowels. The leaves, moreover, are tonic and laxative, and 
much used to expel worms ; for this purpose, they may be 
boiled in ale for internal use, and at the same time applied 
to the bowels to remove them more speedily. A strong 
decoction of equal parts of peach leaves and spearmint, 
taken conveniently hot, is a remedy in cholera morbus. 
The powder of the leaves strewed upon cuts or bleeding 



118 people's physician. 

wounds, acts as a styptic and promotes their cure. A sirup 
prepared from a decoction of the kernels or meats, is re- 
markably cleansiog to the blood, strengthens the stomach, 
and imparts a healthy tone to the system. The oil of peach 
meats, or the expressed juice of the leaves dropped into the 
ears, is asserted to be useful in cases of earache ; to alleviate, 
when applied to the forehead and temples, neuralgic, and other 
painful affections of the head ; to procure sleep and rest for 
the sick and afflicted. The same, applied to the abdomen, is 
beneficial in colic. An application of the bruised meats boiled 
in vinegar to the consistency of a jelly, astonisluDgly promotes 
the growth of the hair, and restores it when entirely fallen off. 
The gum which exudes from the peach tree is a good substi- 
tute for gum arable, and is said to be superior to it. 



PELLITOKY OF ^YAll^.—{AntJicmis pyrethrum) 



{Properties.) — Cephalic, Rubefacient, Sialogogue, Stimu- 
lant. 



Description. — This plant, sometimes called Sj>anis7i cham- 
omile^ has a perennial, descending root. The stems are 
somewhat procumbent, furnished with pinnate or much divi- 
ded light green leaves, bearing single flowers, with a yellow 
disk, and a ray of white leaves. It flowers in June and July. 

Medical Uses. — For disorders of the head, this is deemed 
one of the best detergents existing among plants. The herb 
or root used as a masticatory or chewed, powerfully excites 
the flow of saliva, purges off watery humors from the head, 
alleviates painful neuralgic affections of the head, face, or 
teeth, obviates defluxions to the eyes, lungs, and chest, — 
which ultimately, if suffered to remain unchecked, variously 
gives rise to bronchitis, coughs, asthma, apoplexy, epilepsy, 
and consumption. The same has been found useful in re 
laxation of the uvula; is an excellent remedy in lethargic 
complaints, or drowsiness, and paralysis of the tongue, in 



MATERIA MEDICA. 119 

which it affords relief by stimulating the salivary glands. 
For all the above purposes, it should be used as a masticatory. 
Persons troubled with intermittent fevers, or agues, should 
take two table spoonsful of the expressed juice in a draught 
of sweet wine, an hour before the approach of the paroxysms, — ' 
it will assuredly remove them if taken the third or fourth 
time. Headache may be relieved by making use of the pow- 
der as a snuff, which excites sneezing, and thus *lias its de- 
signed effect. An ointment, prepared from the powdered 
root and hog's lard, is useful in rheumatic disorders, sprains j 
bruises, contracted muscles, tuDiors, etc. 



PEN'NY^OY AL.—{Redeomapulegioides.) 



(Properties.) — Cakminative, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, 
Stomachic, Sudokific. 



Description. — Pennyroyal rises with a stem a foot, more or 
less, in hight, branched with slender branches, leaves opposite, 
oblong, somewhat sharp pointed, sharply, yet not closely nor 
deeply notched on the edges, and diminished or slender at the 
base. It bears extremely small, light blue flowers, which are 
set on the branches in clusters one above another, arranged in 
a verticillate form. The root is small, brownis'h, and having 
some slender shoots and fibres. This is a very common indi- 
genous plant, and emits an aromatic, pungent fragrance. 
Abounds and thrives best in dry fields or neglected grounds. 

Medical Uses. — This herb is warming and strengthening 
to the stomach. Taken warm, prepared with honey and salt, 
it attenuates and removes tenacious mucus or phlegm from 
the lungs, — or infused in milk, is beneficial in coughs, colds, 
or influenza. Employed as an external application with salt, 
it is useful in affections of the spleen and enlargement of the 
liver. After sweating, or taking a warm bath, the herb may 
be infused in spirits' with some salt and honey, and applied 



120 people's physician. 

warm, to remove rheumatic affections of the joints. A warm 
infusion relieves gnawing and sinking sensations at the stom- 
ach, headache, jaundice, pains of the chest and of the bowels, 
and acts as an emmenagogue. An external application of 
Pennyroyal with barley meal, has been found useful in burns 
and scalds. It may be used in infusion, tincture, or essence, 
for the above purposes. 



PEOXY. — {PcBOiiia officinalis.) 

{Properties.) — Anodyne, A ntepileptic, Antephialtic, 
Anthelmintic, Nervine. 



Description. — This plant is fostered in gardens for the 
beauty and elegance of its flower. On its stems are set a 
species of compound, or pinnate leaves, composed of oblong 
leaflets, gradually tapering to a point, and of a lucid green 
color, though sometimes slightly tending to a reddish cast. 
At the tops of the stems, bloom very large, purplish red 
flowers, the petals of which are roundish at the termination. 
These are succeeded by round, black, lustrous, seeds. The 
root is perennial, considerably large, slightly spreading, and 
grows somewhat deep in the ground. 

Ifedical Uses. — The root of Peony has the reputation of 
being antispasmodic — the seed emetic and cathartic. The 
root, fresh gathered, cut fine, placed in a bottle of sweet wine 
to infuse about twenty-four hours, then strained, and taken 
in the dose of three table spoonsful in the morning, and again 
at night just before retiring, for a number of days in succes- 
sion, before and after the full moon, has been found by experi- 
ence to cure epilepsy or fits, in cases where the disorder has 
not been of too long continuance, and beyond the reach of all 
possible curative means. The powdered seeds, taken in wine 
night and morning, are of great service to persons troubled 
with incubus, or what is usually called night-mare. A sirup, 
prepared from the flowers, may be used for the same purpose. 
This troublesome disorder proceeds from certain derange- 



^ 




i 

I 



Mentha Piperita; (Peppennint.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 121 

ments of the system ; it is not unfrequentlj a nervous affection, 
and has its origin principally in indigestion. 



TEFFEmilNT.— (Mentha piperita.) 

(Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stimulant, 
Stomachic, Sudorific. 

Description. — Peppermint is an aromatic plant, with a 
more penetrating smell than any of the other mints, and a 
strong, pungent taste. It rises with a square stem, a foot or 
more in hight, set with leaves broader toward the base, with 
a pointed termination, sharply notched on the edges, of a 
dark green on the upper, and of a lighter hue on the under 
surface. It produces spikes of purple flowers ; grows in low, 
wet land. 

Medical Uses. — It is administered with advantage in ner- 
vous and spasmodic affections of the stomach — spasms or 
pains in the bowels, vomiting, flatulence, and colic, — is very 
useful in bowel complaints, such as cholera morbus, cholera 
infantum, — weakness of the stomach or bowels. A tea 
should be made of a handful of this herb in a quart of boil- 
ing water, and drank freely. 

Dose. — Of essence, a tea spoonful — essential oil a few 
drops at a dose, mingled with spirits if thought necessary, or 
preferred. The bruised fresh herb furnishes a good applica- 
tion to place over the regions of the stomach and bowels in 
colic and vomiting of infants. 



PIMVElil'NEL.—(AnagaUis arvensis.) 

(Properties.)— AsTumGiii<^T^ Demulcent, Diuretic, Errhine, 
Sudorific 



Description. — Scarlet Pimpernel has square, slender, pro- 
cumbent stems, on which are arranged opposite, ovate leaves. 



122 people's physician. 

The flowers, which are of a scarlet color, are placed singly, 
each on a peduncle proceeding from the axils of the leaves. 
These are succeeded by a smooth, round, pj'xis or capsule, 
containing numerous small seeds. The root is annual, small, 
and fibrous. It grows in open fields, meadows, or on banks 
of rivulets, flowering between May and August. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction of Pimpernel, mixed with 
Holland gin, is a good remedy in contagious and malignant 
fevers : — persons, however, after taking it, should lie warmly 
covered in bed and be thrown into a free perspiration ; and 
employ the medicine twice at the least calculation. The de- 
coction is also excellent in hepatic or liver complaints, nephritic 
disorders, suppression of urine and dropsy, — and has been used 
in bites of rabid animals, employed at the same time both 
internally and externally. 

A tea, likewise, made of this plant, has some reputation in 
epilepsy, mania, or madness, internal pains and ulcers, and 
is used to alleviate pains of the hemorrhoids or piles. 

It may be beneficially employed as an errhine to purge the 
head, and is well adapted as an external application, to cleanse 
and heal wounds, obstinate, or foul ulcers, and to extract thorns 
or splinters from the flesh. 

The expressed juice or distilled water dropped into the eyes, 
obviates dimness of sight, and may be used as a lotion or 
wash to remove roughness, or imperfections of the skin. 



Vl.KBllM^.—{Plantago major.) 

{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Detergent, Deobsteuent, Diu- 

KETic, Refrigerant, Yulnerart. 



Medical Uses. — This broad-leaved Plantain is an herb so 
common that it requires no description. It follows the foot- 
steps of man in almost all parts of the world, but usually 
prefers cool oi temperate climates. 

A decoction of the root or seed, or the same taken in the 



MATERIA MEDICA. 123 

form of powder, persistiagly for a number of days, as occasion 
requires, is attended, with very beneficial results, in painful 
excoriations, or erosions of the bowels, serous defluxions from 
ttie head, diarrhea, dysentery, profuse menses, expectoration 
and urination of blood, — is effectual in bronchitis, inflamma- 
tion and ulcers of the lungs, tertian and quartan agues, obsti- 
nate ulcers, piles, cankers and sores in the mouth, or in any 
part of the body — dropsy, jaundice, hepatic and nephritic 
derangements. 

The distilled water, or expressed juice, dropped into the 
eyes allays the inflammation of the same. Persons afilicted 
with the earache, otorrhea, or deafness, may, likewise find 
it profitable, employed by way of drops, combined with salt. 

An ointment made of Plantain and Jioiiseleelc^ boiled in 
cream, and strained before cooling, furnishes a very soothing, 
cooling application in inflammations, eruptions of the skin, 
scalds and burns. 

The expressed juice, mingled with the oil of roses^ and 
applied to the forehead and temples, has a sahitary efiect in 
pains of the head attended with heat, and in cases of delirium. 

Persons suffering from the poisonous bites of serpents and 
rabid animals, should take immediately a table spoonful of 
the expressed juice of Plantain and horeJiound^ mingled with 
some vinegar. In about three quarters of an hour, take an- 
other, if requisite — likewise a tobacco leaf, saturated in whisky 
or rum, should be immediately applied to the 'part affected. 

One pound and four ounces of the leaves of Plantain, pre- 
pared in decoction with two quarts of beef-brine, is an excellent 
application in itch, salt rheum, ring-worms, shingles, etc. A 
decoction should, however, at the same time, be taken to purify 
the blood, prepared from peach meats ^ Tieartsease^ gentian^ 
sweet fern^ and hiirdoch seeds and roots. The Plantains have 
the reputation of being excellent in the cure of wounds — 
their herbage is astringent, and somewhat bitter, and their 
seeds furnish demulcent drinks. The ancients considered it 
useful in visceral obstructions, hemorrhages, consumptions, 
and other complaints. 
13 



124 people' S PHYSICIAN. 

FLEJJmSY -V.OOT. ^{AsGlepias tuherom.) 

{Properties.) — Carminative, Diaphoeetic, Expectorant, 

Febkifcge. 

Medical Uses. — This plant is also called lutterjly-weed^ 
and is a purgative medicine. 

In Virginia and the Carolinas it is much used in pulmonary 
affections. It is excellent in pleurisies, and hence its name ; 
is likewise beneficial in all cases of difficult respiration or 
shortness of breath, and all diseases of the lungs ; relieves 
pain in the breast, stomach, and intestines. The usual form 
of use is in decoction, or syrup, but the alcoholic extract is 
far preferable. The dose of this is five grains. 



VOl.Y?OI>Y. —{Polypodlum vulgare.) 
{Properties.) — Cathartic, Demulcent, Pectoral. 



Description. — Polypody is a small plant belonging to the 
order of ferns, having its fructification on the inferior disk 
of its dark green fronds or leaves, in roundish points, which 
occasion a slight degree of roughness, the upper disk being 
smooth. It has a creeping, shallow root, with slender radicles, 
and grows in the clefts of decayed trees, in open places of 
rocks, and old walls about woods. The root is the part used 
in medicine, and has a sweetish taste. It is kept by tho 
druggists. 

Medical Uses. — Polypody is a valuable medicine to clear 
the system of biliary and pituitous humors, or promote healthy 
excretions when the humors are in a crude and vitiated state. 
Taken in form of sirup, in barley-water, or employed in 
decoction with maUoics^ it is of much utility in melancholic 
or hypochondriac disorders, quartan agues, enlargement and 




AecLKPiAS TuBEROSA, (Pleurisy-ioot.) 



i 




PopULUs Tremcloides. Populus Balsamifera. 





P0PU1.US Geandidentata. Pofulus Candicans, 




Xanthoxtlttm Fraxineum, (Prickly Ash.) 



MATERIA MEDICA, 125 

tumefaction of the spleen, pains and stitches in the sides, and 
colic. Two tea spoonsful of the powdered roots taken in 
honeyed water, and abstaining from food, answers the fore- 
going purposes. 

The distilled water is a good medicine, with the addition 
of some sugar, in coughs, shortness of breath, or labored 
respiration, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, or defluxions upon 
the lungs, which often terminate in consumption. 

An external application, prepared from the fresh roots 
pounded fine, or the dried, powdered roots, with honey, 
possesses an active efficiency in sprained- joints. 



POPLAE. — {Populus tremuloides.) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Febrifuge, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — This Poplar tree is also called American 
aspen. The bark, prepared in the form of a tonic bitter, is 
highly valuable in dyspepsia, or a debilitated habit of body. 
It strengthens the stomach, and restores the digestive organs to 
a healthy state; — this is employed, moreover, in intermit- 
tent fevers, or agues. It possesses cleansing, healing and 
cooling qualities, and is well calculated by way of external 
application, or ointment, in cases of inflammation, wounds, 
tumors, scalds, and burns. Druggists keep 'it usually pre- 
pared in form of extract, ointment, etc. 



POPPY. — {Papaver somniferum.) 
{Properties.) — Anodyne, Narcotic, Stimulant. 



Description. — White Poppy has a number of light green 
leaves, gashed or cut into segments or jags, on the edges, 



126 PEOPLE S PHYSICIAN. 

alternate, and at their base clasping the stem : this is round, 
smooth, and of a sea-green color. The peduncles are long, 
and terminated bj a single flower, with four white, roundish 
petals. These are followed bj a round, green capsule, con- 
taining numerous seeds. From incisions made in the capsule, 
or in any other part of the plant, when half grown, exudes a 
milky juice, from which opium is obtained. The root is an- 
nual, whitish, branching, and tapering. This and the red 
poppy are usually cultivated in gardens. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction or sirup, prepared from the 
;eaves, or empty heads of poppies, may be used with good 
efiect to procure rest and sleep for weak or debilitated per- 
sons, to stay catarrhs, or serous defluxions from the head to 
the stomach and lungs, which cause a continual cough — to ob- 
viate hoarseness, or loss of voice, diarrhea, or looseness of the 
bowels, and to allay pain. An external application of the 
bruised leaves, or capsules, with some vinegar, or a poultice 
prepared from them with barley meal, cools and abates the 
erysipelas, or other inflammatory disorders, heat and delirium, 
in intermittent fevers, or agues. An infusion, comprising 
one third part of Poppy flowers, and two thirds of new rum, 
prepared in a bottle, or in any tight, convenient vessel, and 
kept for use, furnishes an invaluable application in swellings, 
sprains, inflammations, lameness, pains, bruises, or injuries, 
cuts or wounds, pains in the teeth, swellings of the face and 
breasts arising from colds. It is useful, likewise, as a lotion 
in weak, inflamed, sore eyes, and dimness of sight. 



FEICKLY ASH. — {Xanthoxylum fraxineum.) 

{Propei'ties) — Asteixgext, SialoCtOgue, STnI^LA^'T, Sudo- 

EIFIC. 



Medical Uses. — The bark of this shrub or tree, applied to 
the gums or chewed, remarkably promotes the flow of saliva, 
and besides cures the toothache, — hence the name which 
Prickly Ash sometimes bears, tootTiacTie tree. As a modi- 



MATERIA MEDICA. 127 

cine it powerfully induces sweat, is very warming and strength- 
ening to the stomach, and holds a high reputation in paraly- 
sis of the muscles of the mouth, indigestion or dyspepsia, 
coma or drowsiness, palsy, rheumatic disorders, ulcers or ill- 
conditioned sores, and is highly beneficial in all offensive or 
virulent humors of whatever nature or source. It imparts a 
full, healthy circulation to the blood. 

Dose. — About thirty grains, or half a tea spoonful of the 
powdered bark infused in a gill of water with a little sugar, 
taken three times a day, an hour before each meal. In decoc- 
tion, two scruples. 

The bark, prepared by way of decoction, may be used both 
internally and externally in inveterate or ill-conditioned sores, 
etc. It is proper to observe here. Prickly Ash, as well as 
other species belonging to the same genus, is useful in inter- 
mittent fevers, or agues. The berries and bark are alike use- 
ful and valuable as a medicine. 



PUESLAI^. — {Portulaca oleraoea.) 



{Projperties^ — Antiscokbutic, Antiseptic, Astringent, 
Eefrigerant. 



Description. — Purslain is an annual, low, spreading plant, 
with small, roundish, fleshy, succulent leaves, of a dull green 
color. It abounds in gardens and fields, and has been used 
as a salad or in other forms, from remote antiquity to the 
present time. 

Medical Uses. — As a medicine, this is valuable to cool and 
correct the blood — to allay heat of the stomach, of the liver, 
or heat attending nephritic complaints, affections of the urinary 
passages, or hemorrhoids. It subdues bilious diarrhea, fluxes, 
and excoriations of the bowels, catarrhal affections, pains of 
the head, and delirium proceeding from fevers, or deprivation 
of sleep. A decoction of the bruised seed of Purslain, is 
said to be a vermifuge for worms in children. The expressed 



128 people's physician. 

juice answers the above purposes, and may be employed to 
arrest vomiting ; likewise used with good effect in inveterate 
coughs, shortness of breath, asthmatic affections, and im- 
moderate thirst. The herb bruised and applied to the forehead 
and temples, imparts rest or repose to the patient when de- 
prived of sleep through excessive pains of the head, heat, or 
other causes. It may be used as an application, to remove 
redness and inflammation of the eyes, ring-worms, or tetters, 
and other eruptive disorders, as erysipelas or St. Anthony's 
fire. The expressed juice, with the oil of roses^ is employed 
to good advantage in sore breasts, and to allay inflammation 
of ulcers, wounds, or injuries. An application of this is use- 
ful in umbilical, or navel ruptures in children, and furnishes 
a wash or gargle which cures canker in the mouth, swollen, 
or spongy gums, firmly fastens loosened teeth, and remedies 
scorbutic affections. 



QUEEN OF THE l^^ADOW .—{Eupatorium purpureum.) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Deobstkuent, Stimulant, Tonic, 



Medical Uses. — This plant is sometime called gravel-root., 
and resembles the honeset or tJiorougJiwort in its tonic action. 
It is said to afford immediate relief in backache, and is re- 
markably useful in dropsies, urinary suppressions, gravel com- 
plaints, and female weakness and obstructions. For these 
purposes it should be taken freely by way of strong decoction. 



QUEEN OF THE MEADOW .—{Spircea ulmaria.) 

{Properties) — Astringent, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Tonic, 

DesGription. — This species of spiraea, sometimes called 
meadow-sweet., rises with a stalk slightly shaded with red, 




EuPATORiuM PuRPUREUM, (Queen of the Meadow.) 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 129 

three feet or more in hight, furnished with alternate, com- 
pound, or pinnate leaves, consisting of leaflets of a dark 
green on the upper, and grayish on the inferior disk, some- 
what deeply serrated or sharply notched on the edges, 
broadest toward the base, and diminishing to a point, the 
end one being three lobed, and largest. At the top appear 
numerous, small, white flowers, emitting a sweeter fragrance 
than the leaves. The root is perennial, blackish on the 
exterior, and slightly brownish within, extending radicles and 
fibers. It prefers, usually, wet meadows, or banks of water- 
courses, and flowers in July and August. This plant was 
introduced into the United States from Europe. 

MediGol Uses. — This plant has been much used in diarrhea 
and bloody flux, as well as to arrest vomiting and colic. It 
possesses strengthening, and highly useful diuretic qualities, 
and is found valuable in nephritic complaints, or obstructions 
of the urinary passages. It is employed by way of external 
application, to cure corrosive or cankerous ulcers. The dis- 
tilled water is said to be useful to abate heat, or inflammation 
of the eyes. The root and other parts are medicinal. The 
leaves are recommended as mild astringents. Tlie flowers 
are supposed to possess antispasmodic and diaphoretic 
virtues. 



QUEEN'S J)'£lAQllT.—{Stillingia sylve^tica.) 
{Properties.) — Alterative, Cathaetio, Emetic. 



Description. — This plant rises with stems usually two or 
three feet in hight, and furnished with leaves alternately 
arranged, oblong, blunt at the termination, tapering at the 
base, finely notched on the edges, stipuled., and without foot- 
stalks. It bears yellow flowers, which appear in May or 
June. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Queen's Delight, the part used 
for medical purposes, has been much extolled as an alterative, 



130' people's physician. 

surpassing mercury in its salutary effects in derangements of 
the liver, and in purifying or freeing the blood from scrofu- 
lous affections, or from vitiated, virulent humors proceeding 
from any disease whatever ; and thoroughly removes disorders 
of the skin. It should be borne in mind, however, moderate 
doses act with alterative effect, and that large doses prove 
emetic and cathartic. It is usually prepared in form of 
decoction : — put six or eight ounces of the root in four quarts 
of water, boil down to two quarts, add one pint of Holland 
gin, cork ti^jlit, and place aside for use. 

Dose. — Thi-ee or four table spoonsful, to be repeated three 
times a day, half an hour before each meal. 



QUIXCE.— (Pyr^^s Cydonia) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Demulcent, Stomachic. 



Description. — This favorite tree derives its name from 
Cydonia, a town in Crete, where it abounds, and from whence 
it is said to have been first introduced. It has widely spread- 
ing branches, and attains the size of the ordinary apple tree, 
having leaves somewhat similar, yet thicker, broader, and 
containing more veins, smooth or even on the edges, and of a 
lighter color on the under suriace. It produces large, wliite 
blossoms, usually slightly tinged with pink. The fruit when 
green is covered with a white nap, or frieze-like downy sub- 
stance, gradually diminishing as the fruit matures, which is 
yellow, when ripe in October, and of a harsh, sour taste, but 
when prepared in preserves, is delicious. Low, humid soils 
are most congenial to this tree. 

Medical Uses. — The juice of ripe quinces, when in their 
crude or raw state, (and not prepared by fire, since, by this 
process they are rendered less astringent.) may be used to 
check vomiting, bilious diarrhea, and other fluxes, whenever 
the nature of the case requires astrictive or checking medi- 
cines. The juice of the preserved quince, with a little vin- 



MATERIA MEDICA. 131 

egar, restores a languishing or decayed appetite ; with some 
spices is beneficial for persons who are subject to throwing 
up or vomiting food, strengthens the stomach, and invigorates 
the spirits of the debilitated patient, obtunds the acrimony 
of the bile, and promotes digestion. If you .would have it 
slightly laxative, prepare with honey instead of sugar, or, 
if more laxative, with rhubarb. The mucilage, obtained 
from the seeds boiled in w^ater, furnishes a good application 
to abate heat and soreness of women's breasts ; and mixed 
with sugar, is very excellent in cases of hoarseness, aphthous 
affections, and excoriations of the mouth and fauces. 

The downy substance found on green quinces, boiled and 
employed as an external application, is said to effect the cure 
of malignant sores. 



EASPBERRY.— (i^'i^^'ws strigosus) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Tonic. 



Description. — The red Easpberry has a reddish stem, 
branched, armed with prickles, four feet, more or less, in 
hight, furnished with alternate leaves, sharply notched on 
the edges, whitish on the under surface, and terminating in 
an extended point. The flowers, which are white, usually 
appear in June, in drooping clusters, and are followed by a 
great abundance of red berries. It is found in many of the 
States, growing in waste, uncultivated lands, and in stony 
places. 

Medical Uses. — The leaves are somewhat astringent, and 
employed by way of infusion, are very valuable in dysentery 
or bowel complaints. The Easpberry is cooling and well 
adapted to abate heat and thirst. 

An infusion of the leaves furnish, likewise, a good ex- 
ternal application for humors, attended with inflammation, 
or for any external disorders attended with soreness and 
irritation. 

14 



132 people's physician. 

EED LOBELIA. — {Lobelia cardinalis) 
(Properties.) — Antispasmodic, ISTervine, Yermifuge. 



Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called cardinal 
flower., the root of which has been highly esteemed as a 
nervine, and is asserted, moreover, to be employed by the 
Cherokee Indians for the expulsion of worms in children. 

Of its other properties but little has yet been ascertained. 



HO^Yil^A.'RY .-^{Rosmarinus officinalis) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Garminatiye, Cephalic, Tonic. 



Description. — Rosemary has a stalk usually between three 
and four feet in hight, parted into numerous slender branches 
of a grayish color, supplied with many small, linear or very 
narrow, green leaves, oppositely arranged, turned back at the 
edge, blunt at the termination, somewhat whitish on the under 
surface, and without footstalks. It bears moderately large 
flowers, white, or presenting a slight leaden hue, disposed 
near the ends of the branches in clusters, or in a verticillate 
manner. The leaves and tops of this plant have a fragrant, 
aromatic smell, and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste. They 
are said to be a nervous stimulant. 

Medical Uses. — Rosemary has long been in use as a medi- 
cine, and is deemed valuable in cold complaints of the head, 
liver, stomach and bowels. A strong decoction of the foliage 
or leaves, applied to the forehead and temples, and snuffed 
up into the nose, at the same time used internally, abates 
cold defluxions to the eyes, catarrh, vertigo or giddiness, 
headache, attacks of paralysis resulting in loss of speech, 
epilepsy and lethargic disorders, — helps weakness of memory, 
reinvigorates the functions of the brain, or excites the mind 




liOBELiA. Cardinalis, (Red Lot alia.) 



^ 



! 



MATERIA MEDICA. 133 

to vigorous action. The decoction, likewise, strengthens the 
retentive force of the stomach, aids digestion, obviates en- 
largement of the liver, flatulence, diseased gums, and pos- 
sesses remarkable efficacy in promoting the growth and re- 
storing loss of the hair, — the same, employed by way of bath 
or lotion, or made into an ointment, is very beneficial for 
persons afflicted with cold and torpid limbs, or rheumatic 
affections. The dried leaves, cut fine and smoked in a pipe 
as tobacco, are of much utility in bronchitis, asthma, coughs, 
or pulmonary complaints. The plant when burned in the 
apartments or rooms of houses, renders the air pure and 
salubrious. 

The oil of Eosemary can be extracted after this manner : — 
Put a quantity of the flowers into a glass vessel, tie a thin 
linen cloth over the mouth, turn its top down into the open- 
ing of another glass, making it tight; then expose the same 
to the heat of the sun, and it will produce by distillation an 
oil into the lower glass. This may be kept as a very useful 
medicine, for internal and external use, in the foregoing cases. 
It has, also, been employed in dimness of sight. 



EOSES. 
{Properties^) — -Astkingent. Styptic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — These possess very agreeable and valuable 
medicinal qualities, being prepared in various forms — by 
way of conserve, sirup, oil of roses, infusion, decoction, rose 
water, etc. - Those which are partially blown, possess more 
cooling and astringent qualities than the full blown flowers. 
An infusion of them in wine, is useful as an application in 
headache, earache, inflammation and pain of the eyes, and 
as a wash in soreness of the gums and throat; the same, 
likewise, may be used internally, and applied with some of 
the flowers externally, to relieve inflammation of the heart, 
or stomach. A decoction of the heads or cups with the seeds, 



134 people's physician. 

checks diarrhea, dysentery, and spitting of blood. Roses 
strengthen the liver and retentive force of the stomach, alle- 
viate pain attended with heat, allays inflammation, and procures 
rest or repose. Rose water is of much utility in redness 
or inflammation of the eyes. The conserve is excellent in 
tremors, and palpitation of the heart, fainting or swooning, 
weakness at the stomach, dyspeptic complaints, bleeding, 
weakness and ulceration of the lungs. It may be taken in 
the quantity of three or four ounces a day, by itself, or dis- 
solved in a little warm milk ; if the patient be afflicted with 
a cough, a little of the sirup of poppies should be added — 
administer an hour before eating. Honey of roses may be 
used in form of a gargle, or wash, to cleanse and heal canker, 
or sores in the mouth and throat, to stay defluxions of humors, 
catarrhs, etc. 



RUE. — {Ruia graveolens.) 



{Properties) — Anthelmixtic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, 
Emmenagogde, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific, Tonic. 



Description. — Ordinaiy garden Rue possesses a strong, un- 
congenial odor, and a bitter, penetrating taste. It is peren- 
nial, and has a number of stems, more than two feet in hight, 
branched, sufii'uticose, or woody at the base, but above, green 
and soft, not woody. Leaves of a sea-green color, bipinnate, 
consisting of leaflets thick and slightly uneven on the edges, 
inversely ovate, and without footstalks. Flowers terminal, 
yellow, and on peduncles, branching into a corymb. It is 
found in gardens, producing flowers through July and August. 

Medical Uses. — Rue has been employed as a medicine 
from remote antiquity, and there has been ample room to test 
its true medicinal power. An infusion of the leaves with some 
leaves of <fi7Z, used internally and externally, remove severe 
sciatic, or rheumatic pains, pains of the chest and sides, 
labored or difficult respiration, flatulent colic, and hysteria. 




Cbocts Satitts, (Safiron.) 



MATERIA MEDIC A, 135 

Boiled in water to the consumption of one-lialf, with the ad- 
dition of some honey, it proves a vermifuge. An ointment, 
prepared from the expressed juice, with the oil of roses^ wax, 
and a little pure vinegar, is a serviceable application in erysi- 
pelas, or St. Anthony's fire, running sores of the head, or 
offensive ulcers in any part of the body. Rue acts on the 
nerves — corrects a defect of the usual secretions, is capable of 
producing powerful determination to the uterus, thereby re- 
moving uterine obstructions, or acting as an emmenagogue ; 
and not unfrequeutly in large doses, produces abortion — 
therefore is in no way fit to be taken in cases of pregnancy, 
especially, since in a number of instances it has been known 
to be attended with very serious consequences, by inducing 
hazardous inflammation of the bowels and uterus. The 
highly excitant property which it manifests in excessive or 
improper doses, by inducing a risky or unsafe irritation, 
should enjoin prudence in its administration or use. The 
leaves are so acrid that, by much handling, they have been 
known to irritate and inflame the skin, hence it has been con- 
sidered a powerful stimulant. 

Dose. — From one-fourth to a half of a level tea spoonful 
of the powder, three times a day before eating. 



^AYYW)!^. —{Crocus sativus.) 
{Properties.) — Cokdial, Stomachic, Sudorific, 



Description. — Good Saffron has a sweetish, penetrating, 
diffusive odor ; a warm, pungent, bitterish taste ; and a rich, 
deep orange-yellow color. It yields its color and active ingre- 
dients to water, alcohol, proof-spirit, wine, vinegar, and in a 
smaller degree to ether. By distillation with water it affords a 
small quantity of a heavy, golden-yellow colored volatile oil ; 
and it is to this oil that Saffron owes its active properties: it 
is said that thirty-two parts of Saffron yield one of oil. It is 
cultivated abundantly for medicinal uses. 



136 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — Saffron as a medicine, in moderate doses, 
stimulates the stomach, and in large doses, it excites the heart 
and vascular system, or produces immoderate mirth. It is 
very useful to promote the eruption of exanthematous disor- 
ders, as measles, small-pox, chicken-pox, and is of gi'eat ad- 
vantage in malignant, or putrid spotted epidemic fevers, by 
determining to the surface, or inducing perspiration. The 
mode of use is by way of infusion or tea. 



SAGE. — {Salvia officinalis.) 



{Properties.) — ANxisrASMODic, Balsamic, Stomachic, Scdo- 

RIFIC. 



Description. — Garden Sage has a fragrant, strong smell, 
and a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste, like other plants con- 
taining an essential oil. It has a suffruticose, pubescent, 
branch}^, square stem, between one and a half and two feet 
in hight, set with opposite, wrinkled, grayish green leaves, 
broader toward the base, and gradually diminishing to a 
point, edges slightly uneven, or, as it were, minutely scol- 
loped. The flowers, which are of a bluish hue, appear in 
Bmall axillary clusters one above another, or in a whorl-like 
form, beino; in flower about the month of June or Julv. It 
is extensively cultivated in gardens. 

Medical Uses. — Sage taken by way of infusion or tea, helps 
the liver, creates or increases blood, relieves headache, clears 
the brain, or reinvigorates the mental faculties ; and infused 
with wormwood in rum, is very useful in bloody flux, cor- 
rects both tardy and profuse menses. The same used as a 
warm external application, relieves pains and stitches in the 
sides. Three spoonsful of the expressed juice, with the addi- 
tion of a little honey, taken abstaining from food, aflbrds pres- 
ent relief in spitting of blood incident to persons in consump- 
tion, and is beneficial in hoarseness and coughs. The 
expressed juice, taken with pure vinegar, is said to be pre- 



MATEEIA MEDIC A. 137 

ventive against malignant, epidemic diseases. An infusion 
of Sage, rosemary^ Jioney-suckle^ and plaintain^ in wine or 
water with some alum, furnishes a good gargle in aphthous 
affections, or canker of the mouth and throat. Pills are valu- 
able, prepared after the following manner :. — Take spikenard 
and ginger^ two drachms of each, — seeds of Sage dried and 
slightly baked bv fire, one ounce — long pepper^ one ounce and 
a half. The whole being reduced to powder, add as much 
of the expressed juice of Sage, as will be sufficient to form 
the mixture iuto pills. 

Dose — One drachm, or about a tea spoonful, taking after 
them a little pure water. Sage is a very beneficial medi- 
cine in any rheumatic pains of the head, limbs, etc,, proceed- 
ing from cold, vitiated humors — in epilepsy, palsy, lethargic 
complaints, or drowsiness, catarrhal affections, and disorders 
of the chest. 

Sage tea, with the addition of a little lemon juice, is a 
good drink in fever. Persons troubled with night sweats, 
are usually cured by taking cold sage tea, often and copiously, 
night and morning, abstaining from food. But in case per- 
sons wish to excite perspiration, they should have recourse 
to warm sage tea. 



ST. JOHN'S ^OY^l^.—{HypeTieum peifdiatum:) 

{Properties}^ — Astringent, Balsamic, Diaphoeetic, Diu- 
retic, Styptic, Tonic. 



Description. — St. John's "Wort has erect, round, hard, yel- 
lowish brown stems, one or two feet in hight, and from the 
upper half puts forth opposite floriferous branches up to the 
top. The leaves are placed opposite in couplets, of a deep 
green color, moderately narrow, without footstalks, broader 
at the base and diminishing to a termination — their surface 
being stamped with transparent dots, or apparently full of 






138 people's physician. 

small perforations. At the termination of the stems and 
branches appear yellow flowers in clusters, with yellow an- 
thers and five petals. These are succeeded by round capsules 
containing small, oblong, dark seeds, emitting a resinous 
scent. The root is perennial, woody, with many branches 
and fibres, and of a brownish color. It grows in fields and 
waste grounds, usually flowering in July. 

Medical Uses. — St. John's Wort is a peculiar wound plant, 
possessing properties fully as efficacious as any we find ; and 
may be infused in wine, and taken for internal injuries, or be 
prepared in the form of oil, ointment, bath or lotion, for exter- 
nal use. It possesses the efficacy to remove obstructions, to dis- 
perse swellings, and to obviate weakness or debility. An infu- 
sion of the foliage and flowers, but more especially the seeds, 
in wine, or the powdered seeds drank with the juice of hnot- 
grass^ affords great relief in spitting or vomiting of blood, 
resulting from the rupture of a blood vessel, or other injuries 
and difficulties — is valuable in dysentery, suppressed urine, 
and consumption. Two tea spoonsful of the powdered seed 
of St. John's Wort, drank in some warm beverage, mildly 
removes morbid acrid matter, or coagulated blood, from the 
stomach. If patients affected with tertian, or quartan agues, 
take a warm infusion of the leaves and seeds before the par- 
oxysms come on, they will find this medicine to alter the fits 
materially, and by frequent, persistent use entirely remove 
them. An infusion of the seeds, moreover, is asserted to be 
valuable in sciatic rheumatism, epilepsy, and palsy, when 
taken daily for six weeks in succession. This plant has per- 
formed some remarkable cures in maladies of the chest and 
lungs, and is useful in jaundice and delirium. An infusion 
of this plant, together with hlach coliosli^ feather-few^ dill., gen- 
tian.^ and motherwort., with the addition of a little wine and 
nutmeg, drank frequently during the day, is an approved 
medicine to procure speed}^ menstruation, and to void the 
still-birth and the after-birth: — sitting over the hot fumes of 
the decoction of these herbs, may answer the same purpose, 
and in some cases, a warm application of the boiled herb to 
the parts, may be necessary. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 139 

SAESAFAKILLA. — {Aralia nudioauUs.) 
(Properties.) — Alterative, Demulcent, Deobstruent, 

JDlAPHOKETIC. 

Description. — American Sarsaparilla rises with a leaf 
standing on a long footstalk, and likewise with a bare scape 
or flower stem, with three umbels of yellowish flowers at the 
top, presenting a shade of green, which are succeeded by 
round berries. The leaf is composed of oblong leaflets, 
rounded at the foot, with an extended termination, and 
notched on the edges. The plant is eighteen inches or less in 
hight, being found in fertile grounds about woods, producing 
flowers in May and June. 

Medical Uses. — This plant ranks high as an altera,tive, and 
combined with guaiacum^ is invaluable in impurities of the 
blood, ill-conditioned sores, scrofula or king's evil, rheuma- 
tism, general languor or debility — likewise, in all viruleni 
humors, resulting from a contaminated state of the blood, and 
fully obviates the bad state of health proceeding from the 
use of mercury. The patient, while taking this medicine, 
gradually improves, and gains appetite and strength. The 
root is the part used for medicinal purposes. It may be pre- 
pared by way of decoction or sirup. 



SASSAFEAS.— (Zawn^5 sassafras.) 



{Properties.) — Alterative, Aperient, Stimulant, Sudo- 
rific, Tonic. 



Description. — The wood of this tree has a fragrant smell, 
and a sweetish, aromatic, sub-acrid taste ; the root, wood, and 
bark agree in their medicinal qualities, but the bark is the 
most fragrant. The only ofiicinal preparation of it is the 
essential oil, which may be given in the dose of from two to 



140 people's physician. 

ten drops. Sassafras varies in size in different localicies or 
latitudes, growiog in some places only to an inferior or dwarf- 
ish size, while in others which are more coogenial or favor- 
able to its growth, it attains the hight of twenty-five or forty 
feet and even more. The bark of the stem and larger parts 
of the tree is rough or furrowed with somewhat deep crevices, 
while the ultimate ramifications or terminal shoots are smooth 
and of an elegant green. The leaves are alternately arranged, 
entire, somewhat elliptical or oval, differing, however, in 
shape and size, being sometimes lobed. 

Medical Uses. — The bark of the branches of this tree has 
been employed, but is quite inferior to the bark of the root 
for medicinal purposes, which sustains a high reputation in all 
eruptions or humors of the skin, salt rheum, a vitiated, or 
corrupt state of blood proceeding from a scrofulous habit of 
body, or any malady which poisons the blood, or engenders 
virulent, or deleterious humors. It removes mercurial taints, 
etc., from the system ; has proved, likewise, of great service 
in chronic rheumatism. It should be combined with guala- 
cuin^ sarsajparilla^ elder harh^ and yelloio dock root^ and 
taken in the form of infusion or sirup. Sassafras steeped in 
water is a valuable wash for all kinds of humors. The 
essence may be given internally in all cases of a gangrenous 
tendency, and particularly of the bowels. 



SAYIKE. — {Junipenis salina) 

{Properties.) — Abortive, Deobstkuent. Diuretic, Eatmena- 
GOGUE, Stimulant. 

Description. — The leaves and tops of Savine possess a 
hot, aromatic, and disagreeable taste. This evergreen shrub 
or tree, grows often small, yet sometimes attains the hight of 
fourteen or sixteen feet, having many branches and ramifica- 
tions or yonng shoots, the latter being of a bright green. 
The leaves are small, and envelop the small shoots, being 
oppositely arranged in an imbricated form, or one overlapping 



MATERIA MEDICA. 141 

another in layers, tending to a dark green color, and with a 
lanceolate or pointed termination. It flowers in the months 
of May and June, and produces a dark purple berry, larger 
at the base than at its top. Savine is a native of Europe, 
and we find it, moreover, in some parts of the United States. 

MediGol Uses. — Savine is, in a very high degree, stimulat- 
ing, diffusing its power through the system — promotes the 
secretions of the skin, and by its characteristic affinity, deter- 
mines to the uterus, or increases the secretions of that organ 
as a powerful emmenagogue. It possesses the power in exces- 
sive doses to bring on inflammation of the stomach, bowels, 
and uterus, therefore should never be employed in cases of 
pregnancy. "We regret to state, that many have effected the 
most sinful, or reprehensible purposes, by taking this medi- 
cine, and have thereby even hazarded life and health. 

It is much used in amenorrhea, but requires great care and 
prudence in its administration, and should be given in no case 
where partial or general irritation exists. 

Dose. — Of the powder not above twenty grains, taken three 
times a day. 

This medicine is usually kept by apothecaries. The powder, 
employed by way of external application, is considered useful 
in scrofula or king's-evil, running sores, corrosive or canker- 
ous humors, ring- worms, or tetters. A strong decoction of 
this plant in lard and wax forms a useful ointment to keep up 
a constant discharge from blisters 



SAYOEY. — {Satureia hortensis.) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stimulant, 
Stomachic 

Medical Uses. — This is a well known aromatic garden 
plant, usually called summer Savory. Winter Savory (Saiu- 
reia montana.) is likewise cultivated, and possesses very 
similar qualities. It has a warm, aromatic, penetrating taste, 
and smells like tliyme^ but is milder. It is a valuable remedy 



142 people's physician. 

in colic, flatulence, attenuates and aids to expectorate tough 
mucus from the chest and lungs. — Taken by way of warm 
infusion. The expressed juice employed as an errhiue helps 
coma or drowsiness ; likewise, being warmed with the oil of 
Toses^ and dropped into the ears, obviates ringing or noises in 
the same, deafness, etc. Savory, applied in the f(»rm of a poul- 
tice, aflords relief in rheumatic disorders and palsied limbs, 
and removes pains proceeding from stings of bees, wasps, etc. 



SCUKYY-GRASS.— (Cc^cA^^arza officinalis.) 

(Properties.) — AxTiscorvDUTic, ApERIE^-T, Diceetic, Stimu- 

LAXT. 



Lemon Scurvy-grass is a smooth, herbaceous plant, rising 
with a collection of glossy, dull green root-leaves, roundish, 
or spoon-shaped, and standing on long footstalks, hence it 
bears the name of spoon-wort. The stem or stems are short, 
Blender, and branched, usually less than three-fourths of a 
foot in hight, furnished with oblong leaves, alternately ar- 
ranged, and slightly waved on the edges. It produces at the 
top many white flowers in clusters, the four petals of which 
are cruciate, or in the form of a cross. These are followed 
by many brownish seeds, contained in pods. The root con- 
sists of numerous shoots or fibres, white, and extending deep 
in the moist and marshy soil near the sea coast^ where it most 
delights to grow. This plant was introduced from Em-ope 
into the United States, where it is now cultivated. C. coro- 
nopus^ wild scurvy-grass, is very similar. 

Medical Uses. — A decoction, or the expressed juice of 
Scurvy-grass, taken three times a day, an hour before eating, 
in any convenient beverage, is valuable in scurvy and all 
impurities of the blood, inasmuch as it removes visceral 
obstructions, resolves the viscidity of the humors, and pro- 
motes the healthy secretions of the system. The expressed juice 
is employed as a gargle to heal scurvy of the gums and canker 
in the mouth, likewise in the form of a lotion to remove spots 

It is sometimes used as a salad. . 




PoLYGALA Senega, (Seneca Snake-root) 



15 



MATEKIA MEDICA. 143 

SELF-HEAL. — {Prunella vulgaris) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic. 



Description. — Self-heal, or heal-all., is a low, creeping, 
labiate plant, appearing at first with small, roundish pointed 
leaves, of a dark, green color, and smooth or even on the 
edges. The stems are square, pubescent, sometimes branched, 
scarce a foot in hight, and set with small, opposite leaves. 
Elowers of a bluish purple, or of a paler blue color, mono- 
petalous, parted at the border into two opposite divisions or 
lips, the lower of which is three lobed. The root is fibrous, 
and spreading — the small stems, moreover, creeping upon the 
ground, take root and largely increase. It displays its flowers 
about May, and is found in woods, fields, and elsewhere. 

Medical Uses. — This plant, taken in the form of sirup, and 
employed externally by way of ointments, plasters, etc., is 
used with good success, both in internal and external wounds, 
ulcers, bruises, falls, and injuries — it represses the heat or 
acrimony of the humors, allays inflammation or swelling, and 
averts the flow of blood or humors to parts afiected with 
wounds or sores, and facilitates their cure. Self-heal furnishes 
an excellent medicament, which speedily conglutinates recent 
incised wounds, counteracts the formation of fungous or proud 
flesh, and gangrenous tendencies. The expressed juice mixed 
with the honey oiroses^ as a gargle, heals aphthous afiections 
of the mouth and fauces, or canker in the mouth and throat. 



SENEKA SI^AKE-EOOT.— (P()%«?^ senega.) 
{Properties.) — Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant, Sudorific. 



Description. — This plant, otherwise called rattle snake root, 
has a number of smooth, erect stems, a foot or less in hight, 



Hi people's physician. 

presenting sometimes a reddish hue at the bottom, green above, 
fm-nished with leaves gradually tapering to a point, smooth, 
and of a lucid green on the upper surface. It produces at the 
top white flowers disposed in the form of a spike. The root 
is perennial, jointed, branched, and variously contorted, or 
twisted. It is found growing wild in various parts of the 
United States. 

Medical Uses. — It acts as a sudorific and expectorant in 
small doses, and in large doses, as an emetic and cathartic. 
It is useful in pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma, chronic catarrh, 
croup, chronic rheumatism, dropsy, fevers, and amenorrhea. 
For the cure of dropsy, administer first an emetic, and give, 
twelve times a day, at regular intervals, a table spoonful 
of the decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce of the root 
in one quart of water until reduced to half in quantity. In 
cases of croup, administer, as a first step, an emetic, then 
give freely of the decoction every hour or two. The dose 
of Seneka, in powder, is from twenty to thirty grains. The 
Seneka Snake-root is also deemed an antidote to snake bites. 



SKUNK QABBKG^.— {Modes fcetidus) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Kekvine. 

Medical Uses. — This plant, otherwise called meadow- cah- 
hage^ or swamp-cabbage^ is very well known, being readily 
distinguished by its broad, green, cabbage-like leaves, which 
are noted for their fetid odor. It is found growing in low, 
wet, swampy grounds. The roots and seeds, the parts used 
in medicine, have the reputation of being powerful anti- 
spasmodics and expectorants. The root is valuable in catarrhal 
aftections of aged persons, hooping cough, spasmodic pains, 
chronic rheumatism, dropsy, hysteria, or nervous weakness 
of females, and as a palliative in paroxysms of asthma. For 
dropsy and chronic rheumatism, make a strong decoction of 
the root in a quart of water, boil down to one-half, pour off 




IcTODES FoETTDA, (Swamp-Cabbage.) 



i 



ii 



MATERIA MEDICA. 145 

clear, permit it to cool, — then add a pint of Holland gin, and 
take three or four table spoonsful, three times a day, an hour 
before eating. An overdose produces vomiting, headache, 
and temporary blindness. 



SLIPPERY ^lM,—{Ulmusfulva.) 
{Properties.) — Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — This tree abounds in the United States, 
and its bark may be obtained at any of the drug stores — it 
has an agreeable odor, and its mucilage is very nutritious. 
As a medicine it is much resorted to, both for internal and 
external purposes. It is valuable in bowel complaints, catarrh, 
disorders of the urinary passages, piles, and other complaints, 
where demulcent medicines are requisite. For external treat- 
ment, it is much used as an emollient in sores attended with 
inflammation, abscesses, and diseases of the skin. It is very 
strengthening to the luugs, stomach, and entire system, as 
well as very purifying to the blood. Taken by way of infu- 
sion, or tea. The pulverized bark, moistened with warm 
water, forms an excellent cataplasm or poultice in boils, ab- 
scesses, and similar sores. 



SMAET-WEED.— (P(?%^7iwm hydropijper.) 
{Properties) — Antiseptic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Sudorific. 



Medical Uses. — Smart- weed, or water pepper^ is merely a 
weed with a jointed stem, furnished with alternate leaves, 
tapering to a point, in shape somewhat similar to the peach- 
leaf, and of a pungent or biting taste. It grows plentifully 
over low, waste, wet grounds, and flowers about June. A 



146 people's physician. 

warm application of it disperses swellings and coagulated 
blood of contusions, and the leaves merely bruised furnish an 
effectual application in recent wounds and sprains. Smart- 
weed is given Buccessfullj in scurvy, cachexia, asthma, and 
hypochondriacal disorders. A tea, likewise of this plant 
counteracts vomiting and mortification, and is considered a 
valuable emmenagogue. Persons troubled with gravel com- 
plaints, should make a pint of Smart-weed tea, then add one 
gill of Holland gin, and take the whole during the day. This 
often proves a cure. The medicine, however, when scalded 
in its preparation, is very much impaired in its virtues. The 
powdered leaves, or tincture may be taken in tea spoonful 
doses, three or fom* times a day. 



BOA'FV^OKi:.—(Sa2}07iaria officinalis.) 
(Projperties.) — Alterative, Diuretic, Toxic. 



Description. — Soapwort, otherwise called lounclng let., 
usually rises between one and two feet in hight. The stems 
have tumid nodes or joints, and are furnished with opposite, 
smooth, entire, lanceolate leaves. It bears flowers almost 
white, presenting a very small shade of purple — these appear 
in July and August. 

Medical Uses. — This plant is well calculated to remove 
visceral obstructions, and to act as a purifier of the blood, to 
impart strength and tone to the system. It removes rheuma- 
tism, jaundice, scrofulous affections, or any taints or corrupt 
humors proceeding from any disease. It is said to possess 
diuretic powers, and to be useful in dropsy. It may be taken 
freely by way of decoction. The root, moreover, is em- 
ployed medicinally ; it has no peculiar smell ; is sweetish, 
glutinous, somewhat bitter, and slightly acid. It is said to 
be alterative, and was formerly used in gout and the above 
complaints, in the form of decoction. 




CoNVALLARiA MuLTiFLOEA, (Solomon's Seal.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 147 

SOLOMON'S SEAL.— (Convallaria multiflora) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Balsamic, Demulcent, Pectoral. 



Description. — This plant rises with a smooth, herhaceons 
stem, from one foot to eighteen inches in hight, nearly round, 
or ancipital, drooping or bending. The leaves are alternate, 
moderately large, pointed, having parallel veins or nerves, 
embracing the stem at the base, of a bluish green on the 
upper, and of a faint or sea-green color on the under surface. 
It bears small, long, white, hollow, pendulous flowers, hang- 
ing on one side of the stem, parted at the limbus or border 
into five points or segments. These are followed by small, 
round berries, or three-celled capsules, of a dark green when 
ripe, containing small, hard, white seeds. The root is per- 
ennial, about the thickness of one's finger, white, and having 
knobs or tubers marked with seal-like depressions, growing 
under the upper crust of the ground, and having fibers 
attached beneath. It is found in various parts of the United 
States, growing in rocky, w^oody places, on banks of streams, 
and elsewhere, flowering in May or about that time. It is 
considered to possess qualities similar to those of the other 
kind of Solomon's Seal. 

Medical Uses. — The root is the part used for medical pur- 
poses, which possess a mucilaginous quality, is a very mild, 
and yet a very healing restorative, being useful in all cases 
of female weakness. It is recommended in consumption and 
general debility, fluor albus, and profuse menses. The 
mucilage is very excellent in cases of inflammation, piles, etc. 
The root is employed in the form of discutient poultices in 
various kinds of tumors, bruises, or inflammations, accom- 
panied by extravasation of blood. It conglutinates and heals 
recent cuts or wounds, dries, cicatrizes, and cures sores, 
wounds, or ulcers of long standing, having a tendency to 
counteract the exudation of the humors which prevent their 
cure. An infusion of the root in wine is considered valuable 



148 people's physician. 

in ruptures or internal injuries. It is useful in diarrhea and 
dysentery. This medicine may be taken in form of tea, sirup, 
or cordial. 



SOEREL. — {Rumex acetosa.) 



{Properties) — Astringent, Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic, 
Antistrumous, Discutient, Refrigerant Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Common Sorrel is of much service to allay 
heat in intermittent, or other fevers. It quenches thirst, im- 
parts tone to the stomach, restores decayed appetite, and upon 
the whole, is an invaluable cordial, inasmuch as it animates, 
or imparts renewed strength and vitality to patients when 
weak and depressed. It obviates the corrupt state of the 
blood — corrects the acrimony of the humors in the bloody 
flux or dysentery. A decoction of the root is a useful medi- 
cine in jaundice, cures canker in the stomach or bowels, and 
expels worms. The expressed juice, with a little vinegar, 
possesses great efficacy in tinea capitis or scald head, ring- 
worms or tetters, — likewise, discusses scrofulous indurations 
of the throat ; and employed as a gargle, cures the aphthse 
or canker in the mouth. The herb, or distilled water answers 
the above purposes. It is good in cases of scurvy. 



SORREL. — {Oxalis acetosella.) 

{Properties.) — Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic, Antistrumous, 
Astringent, Discutient, Refrigerant, Tonic 



Description. — Wood Sorrel grows low upon the ground, 
with a few small leaves rising from the root, standing on slen- 
der footstalks a few inches in length, and reddish at the hot- 



MATERIA MEDICA. 149 

torn — these leaves are compound or trifoliate, that is, having 
three leaves on a single footstalk, after the manner of trefoil — 
they are nicked in the center of the termination, or inversely 
heart-shaped, of a faint yellowish green color, and of a very 
agreeable sour taste. There arise, also, weak, slender flower 
stems, each bearing a single flower, consisting of five small, 
whitish leaves, with a blunt, slightly crenulate termination. 
It has a small, reddish, horizontal root, and inhabits moist, 
shady places in woods, or places not much exposed to the sun, 
flowering in May. 

Medical Uses. — Wood Sorrel is similar in its qualities to 
the ordinary sorrel, yet it is considered preferable to cleanse 
the blood, assuage inflammation, quench thirst, to strengthen 
the stomach, procure appetite, and check vomiting. It is ex- 
cellent as a beverage in all febrile disorders, allaying heat or 
inflammation, and abating fever. The distilled water, or a 
sirup prepared from the plant is well adapted to the above 
purposes. A strong decoction, with which cloths are satura- 
ted and applied, tends greatly to cool and subdue hot swel- 
lings, or inflammation — and a like decoction employed very 
often through the day as a gargle, cures obstinate, ofiensive 
canker in the mouth. Wood Sorrel readily heals cuts or 
wounds, arrests bleeding, allays inflammation of the throat 
and lungs, and is useful, likewise, in the cure of cancers. 
For the cure of cancers a salve should be made of the Sorrel, 
and applied to the part afiected. 



SOUTHEE:^' ^O'RV^EL.—iRumex acetosa.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Antiseptic, Antistkumous, 

DiSCUTIENT, E-EFEIGEKANT. 



Description. — This plant has oblong, pointed leaves of a 
lucid green color, — those rising from tiie root are supported 
on lono: footstalks — the stem leaves beinor sessile or without 



150 people's physician. 

footstalks. It has an upright stem, varying from seven to 
twelve inches in hight, and of a reddish color. The flowera 
have weak peduncles and are arranged in terminal, branched 
spikes. It flowers in July, and continues into autumn. 

Medical Uses. — The properties of this plant are very simi- 
lar to those of wood sorrel and common sorrel.^ and the one 
is used in lieu of the other. It has a high reputation in the 
cure of cancers, having long been used by the Indians for 
this purpose, and a knowledge of it was for some time corn- 
fined to a few, who had great success and fame in the cure 
of cancers. The bruised leaves form an invaluable appli- 
cation for scrofulous swellings and indurations. A salve 
prepared from the leaves and applied by way of plaster is the 
best form of use for cancers. The plaster at times should be 
changed, and the cancer cleansed or washed at each change. 
The expressed juice, or bruised leaves, have done wonders in 
cancerous sv/ellings. 



ZO'\^TllYR'E-WOOJ).—{Arte7nisiadbrotanum.) 
(Properties.) — Detergent, I^ervine, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Southern-wood has a strong, agreeable 
smell ; a pungent, bitter, and somewhat nauseous taste. It is 
cultivated in gardens, and is a congener to wormwood. It 
flowers mostly in July and August. An infusion of the 
bruised seed in warm water is taken with good advantage in 
ruptures, strains, cramps, rheumatic affections, strangury, 
and suppressed menses, — it is likewise a vermifuge. The 
bruised leaves furnish a very suitable application in sprains, 
bruises, and to detach and extract splinters from the flesh. 
Made into a beer and taken it is very strengthening to the 
system. The ashes of the plant is said to be a good applica- 
tion for indolent ulcers. 




/\iLAT.TA Racsuosa, (Spikenard.) 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 151 

SFEAEMINT.— (J/en^^ viridis.) 

{Properties.) — Antexietic, Antispsamodic, Caeminative, 
DiuEETic, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. — Spearmint has erect, square, hollow, branched 
stems, not far from one foot or a foot and a half in hight, fur- 
nished with deep green leaves, arranged in couplets close to 
the stem, moderately large, elliptical, serrated, and pointed. 
It possesses a pleasant aromatic scent, and bears purplish 
flowers, which usually appear in August. The root is peren- 
nial, spreading, and fibrous. 

Medical Uses, — An infusion of Spearmint and peachlesLYes, 
about one handful of each, obviates hiccough, bitter eructa- 
tions, violent vomiting, and redundancy of the bile. The 
leaves steeped in milk prevent its curdling in the stomach, 
and is a corroborant, or strengthening medicine. An infu- 
Eion of Spearmint in wine is considered useful in strangury 
and nephritic complaints, removes coldness and obstructions 
of the liver, restores appetite, promotes digestion, or imparts 
new tone and vigor to the stomach and bowels. It relieves 
flatulence, spasms, and colic, or spasmodic pains of the 
stomach and bowels. The fresh plant, bruised and applied 
to its region, abates nausea or sickness of the stomach, and 
is valuable in cholera morbus of infants. Persons troubled 
with rheumatic difficulties, should make use of the oil of 
Spearmint mixed with old lard, in the form of liniment. 



SPIGIS^ET OR SYlKE^ARD.—iAralia racemosa.) 
{Properties.) — Emollient, Pectokal, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — The Indians consider this plant valuable 
by wav of poultice, for all kinds of wounds, ulcers, and ring- 
16 



152 people's physician. 

worms ; and for coughs, female complaints, and as a general 
tonic. The roots and berries are held in high estimation 
throughout the United States ; taken by way of infusion or 
sirup. 



SQUILLS. — {Scilla maritima.) 

{Properties.) — Diuretic, Emetic, Expectobant, Purgatitb, 
Stimulant. 

Medical Uses. — The large bulbous root of Squills is much 
employed in medicine. From one to three grains of the 
powder is the dose usually taken. It is valuable in asth- 
matic disorders, affections of the chest accompanied with the 
secretions of thick mucus, coughs, and lung fevers. It is very 
useful, likewise, in cases of dropsy, its operation being very 
powerful on the kidneys ; when made into a sirup with sweet 
spirits of nitre, with the addition of two or three grains of 
mandrake^ it serves to void the extravasated water of the 
dropsy. 

STRAWBERRY.— (i^m^^rzc5 Yirginiana?^ 
(Properties^ — Astringent, Febrifuge, Refrigerant. 



Medical Uses. — There are various kinds of this well-known 
delicious fruit, and the plant is very extensively cultivated. 
It begins to flower in May and produces fruit shortly after. 
The berries are valuable to allay heat of the liver, or the 
heated state of the blood generally, to refresh the debilitated 
patient, and abate inflammation, — yet it would be advisable 
to refrain from their use in febrile disorders, lest they should 
have a putrescent tendency on the stomach and thus enhance 
the fever. An infusion of the leaves and roots is well adapted 
to fevers, and the above purposes, or inflammation of the 
urinary organs, — promotes the urinary secretions, abates the 



MATERIA MEDICA. 153 

heat and sharpness of the same — cheeks diarrhea and dysen- 
tery, helps catarrhal affections, and as a wash, remedies loos- 
ened teeth or diseased gums, sores in the mouth or other 
localities. The distilled water or expressed juice is a very 
good cordial in palpitation of the heart, and is useful in jaun- 
dice ; is beneficial, likewise, as an application in redness, or 
inflammation of the eyes, and afibrds an excellent lotion in 
redness of the face, eruptions attended with heat, pimples, 
spots, or other imperfections of the skin. 



SUCCOKY. — {CiGTiorium intylus.) 
{Properties.) — Aperient, Deobstkuent, Discutient, Tonic. 



Description. — Blue or wild Succory produces at first, long 
leaves lying upon the ground, cut in or divided on the edges, 
and terminating in a point. Among these starts up an an- 
gular stem, branched, between two and three feet in hight, 
and furnished with alternate, smaller, and less divided leaves. 
It bears large, blue, compound flowers. The root is perennial, 
of a light yellow on the exterior, and white within, long, and 
having a few shoots. The plant is very bitter, and grows in 
waste, neglected ground, or about borders of fields. 

Medical Uses. — A tea made of a handful of the leaves or 
roots of Succory, and a wine glassful taken an hour before 
eating, obviates obstructions of the liver and spleen, or other 
visceral obstructions — is of much service in jaundice, dropsy, 
dyspepsia, chronic vitiated or morbid state of the functions, 
attended with general derangement of the system, or consump- 
tive complaints, — fainting or swooning, burning sensations 
at the stomach, heat of the blood, and hepatic congestion. 
A like tea sweetened with molasses is excellent in piles. 
An external application formed of the bruised leaves satura- 
ted in vinegar, is employed to good advantage to subdue 
erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, swellings, inflammations, 



154 people's physician. 

and malignant sores. The distilled water is very beneficial 
in redness, or inflammation of the eyes, and in pain result- 
ing from lacteal profusion in the breasts of nursiug women. 



SUMACH.— (7?Aw5 glahrum.) 



{Properties.) — Astringent, Antiseptic, Dicretic, Ke- 

FRIGERANT, ToNIC. 

Description. — Upland Sumach is a shrub or tree, which 
rises from eight to eleven feet or more in bight, spreading 
into irregular branches, furnished with pinnate leaves, con- 
sisting of leaflets arranged on each side of a long leaf stem, 
common to the whole, large at the base, and gradually taper- 
ing to a point, notched on the edges, and smooth on the 
upper surface. It bears a vast number of small, white, five- 
petaled flowers, formed in branched spikes, — these appear 
in June or July, and are succeeded by roundish, red berries. 
It is found in woods, in neglected upland grounds, or on the 
skirts of forests. 

I Medical Uses. — This kind of Sumach possesses no poison- 
ous qualities, and is much used in medicine. It imparts 
strength and tone to the system, and counteracts putrescent 
tendencies. An infusion of the berries is of great worth in 
fevers, furnishes an excellent gargle for canker in the mouth 
and ulcerations of the throat, besides is an active diuretic, 
or useful in obstructions of the urinary passages. The bark 
of the root, prepared in form of a poultice, is highly valuable 
in burns and chronic ulcers. Ulcers arising from vitiated 
blood, or a bad habit of body, should not be too speedily dried 
up, at least not until suitable internal medicines have been 
taken to work ofi" impurities of the system. It is said by Dr. 
Fahnestock, that an infusion of the bark of the root is almost 
a specific for mercurial salivation. The leaves of this plant 
are astringent. 




Myrica Gale, (Sweet Gale. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 155 

SWEET GALE.— (Ifyrica gale.) 

Properties.) — Antipsoric, Aromatic, Stimulant, Sto- 
machic, Vermifuge. 

Medical Uses. — This plant, which we jBnd growing in 
Canada and the ISTorthern States, is often called duch myrtle 
or sweet willow. The leaves, flowers, and seeds, have a 
strong, fragrant smell, and a bitter taste. The infusion, given 
internally, is stomachic and vermifuge. An ointment or 
infusion made of the fruit is said to cure the itch by a few 
applications. 



TAIN'S Y. — ( Tanacetum vulgare.) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Anthelmintic, Carmina- 
tive, Emmenagogue, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — Tansy rises with a stout, erect stem, two 
and a half feet, more or less, in hight, furrowed, or marked 
with parallel lines or grooves, branched near the top, and 
furnished with bipinnatiiid leaves : that is, pinnatifid leaves 
with their segments or divisions pinnatifid, or cut into jags 
and notched on the edges. The flowers, whkh are yellow, 
appear from July to September, disposed at the top in dense 
clusters, in the form of corymbs. Tansy is found in gardens, 
likewise grows wild by sides of neglected fields and elsewhere. 

Medical Uses. — An infusion of double Tansy in beer, taken 
in the spring time, is highly valuable to remove impurities 
of the blood, and create a healthy action throughout the sys- 
tem. It remedies strangury, weakness and obstructions of 
the kidneys, colic, or griping pains, fiatulency in the stomach 
and bowels, and procures the menses, — likewise prevents mis- 
carriage. The herb fried with eggs aids the digestion of hu- 
mors which are deleterious to health, or promotes their evao- 



156 people's physician. 

nation. The seed or expressed juice is very beneficially ad- 
ministered for worms in children. Tansy boiled in oil fur- 
nishes a very good external application for contracted mus- 
cles and rheumatic affections of the limbs. Persons troubled 
with weak stomachs, and having an aversion to food, will 
rarely find a better medicine than Tansy, It is said that if 
fresh meat be rubbed with it the flesh fly will not injure it. 



TEY^E.—{Thi/miis vulgaris) 

{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Cakminative, Partueient, 
Stomachic, Toxic. 

Medical Uses. — Garden Thyme is a warm, pungent, aro- 
matic plant, and obviates shortness of breath, acts as an ex- 
cellent corroborant or strengthening medicine in complaints 
of the lungs, and its virtue is scarce surpassed in cases of 
hooping cough. It frees the stomach of phlegm, remedies 
flatulency, and affords a speedy relief in cases of parturition. 
Thyme, nsed by way of poultice, is useful in swellings and 
rheumatic afiections ; and taken in any convenient form, 
counteracts spasms, and strengthens the stomach. 



THYME — (Wild.) — {TJiymv.s serpyllum) 
{Projyerties.) — Axtispasmodic, Diuretic, Stomachic, Toxic. 



Medical Uses. — Wild Thyme, otherwise called mother of 
thyme, is a small, aromatic plant, found growing, nsually, in 
barren grounds or neglected fields. It relieves griping pains 
of the bowels, cramps, and inflammation of the liver. A 
vinegar made of it as the vinegar of 7'oses is made, and ap- 
plied, subdues pains of the head, — is taken to good advan- 
tage in spitting of blood, coughs, vomiting, flatulency ; revives 



MATEEIA MEDIC A. 157 

and strengthens the head, or stomach, and is useful in nephri- 
tic complaints. The properties of this herb are very much 
like those of garden, thyme, but of a milder and rather more 
grateful flavor. 



TIGEE UXX.—iLllium PliilacU^pMciim) 
{Projjeriies.) — Astki^^gext, Emollient, Pectoral, Tonic. 



Description. — This beautiful plant has an erect stem, fur- 
nished with long, narrow, and pointed leaves, — bears flowers 
of an orange hue, and is much cultivated in our flower 
gardens, appearing in flower about June and Julv. 

Medical Uses. — Tiger Lily is much used by way of exter- 
nal application, in swellings, inflammations, and irritative 
sores — the leaves have been used in such cases, yet the root 
is the part designed for medical purposes. Being astringent 
and tonic, it is of great utility in dysentery, or a languid, 
weakened state of the body. This plant, also, answers the 
purposes for those disorders in which the v:7iite pond lily is 
usually employed, and the one is used in lieu of 'the other to 
suit convenience. 



TOAD-FLAX. — {AntirrJiinuiyi Unaria.) 
(Properties.) — Antibilious, Cathaetic, Diueetic. 



Description. — Common Toad-flax has stems a foot and a 
half, more or less, in hight, thickl}^ set with long, narrow or 
linear leaves. It has a dense or crowded spike of large, 
yellow flowers. These give place to flat, blackish seeds. 
The root is perennial, whitish, with radicles and fibres. 
Flowers bloom in succession from the first to the last of 
summer. 



158 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — This plant possesses a bitter quality; an 
infusion of the leaves and flowers in Holland gin, gently 
purges the bowels, promotes urination, and is valuable in 
jaundice and liver complaints. The distilled water, taken 
with a tea spoonful of the powder of dwarf-elder and some 
cinnamon, for a number of days in succession, remedies the 
dropsy : — the distilled water, moreover, used as an eye-water, 
is a sure remedy for heat, redness, or inflammation of the 
eyes. A decoction of the flowers is recommended as a wash 
in cankerous, or fistulous uclers, or chronic diseases of the 
skin. An ointment made of the leaves has been much used 
as an application in piles. 



TOBACCO. — {Nicotiana tdbacum.) 



(Properties.)— Cathautic^ Diuretic, Discutient, Stimulant, 

Narcotic. 

Deseription. — The stem rises three or four feet in hight, 
furnished with large, oblong, light green leaves, without foot- 
stalks, alternate, with a stout midrib, and a pointed termination. 
Flowers funnel shaped, of a reddish color, and divided at the 
border into five pointed segments. Tlie root is annual, 
moderately large and fibrous. It is cultivated extensively in 
Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. 

Medical Uses. — An infusion of one drachm of this plant 
to a pint of water, administered by table spoonsfuL acts as a 
powerful diuretic. Persons troubled with scrofula of the 
throat, or king^s evil, may be cured of this malady, by bind- 
ing on to the part bruised Tobacco leaves. It has been known 
to remedy this disorder in the space of ten days. A salve 
prepared from ^'he expressed juice is excellent for abscesses, 
hard tumors, ring-worms, and swellings resulting from blows 
or falls. "We often make use of the bruised leaves saturated 
or soaked in whisky for cuts or incised wounds, bruises. 
bites of rattle snakes, swelling, pain of the face, etc. A 



MATERIA MEDICA. 159 

decoction of the leaves, used by way of enema or clyster, has 
often proved effectual in stoppage or obstruction of the bowels, 
when all other means have failed. 



TO'RME'NTlL,--(Pote7itiUa tormentilla.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Sudoeieic, Tonic. 



Description. — Tormentil is a low plant, with weak, slender 
stems, seven inches or two-thirds of a foot in hight, leaning 
or bending, and branched near the top, — set with a species 
of compound, or digitate sessile leaves, consisting of elliptical 
leaflets, notched on the edges like a saw, in number some- 
times five, but mostly seven, hence it often bears the name of 
sept/oil. It produces small, yellow, five-petaled flowers, each 
on a separate axillary peduncle or flower stem. The root is 
short, somewhat thick, sometimes crooked, containing fibres, 
blackish on the exterior, and reddish within. It flowers 
through the summer, is found extensively in Europe, and the 
root is much used in medicine. 

Medical Uses. — The most convenient mode of use of the 
root of Tormentil, is by way of decoction, which may be 
advantageously employed in malignant fevers, or contagious 
exanthematous diseases, as small-pox, purples,*measles, etc. 
It determines the disease to the surface by its sudorific action ; 
and in order to effect this purpose, the patient should drink 
copiously of the tea, be warmly covered in bed, and permit- 
ted to sweat freely. The root, as a medicine, checks diarrhea, 
dysentery, tormina or gripes attending such cases — nausea, 
vomiting, biliary eructations, profuse menses, fluor albus, 
and prevents miscarriage — removes hepatic and pulmonary 
obstructions, jaundice, and catarrhal affections. It is also 
valuable, both taken and outwardly used, for internal or ex- 
ternal injuries, as ruptures, wounds, bruises, or falls. A 
decoction is employed with very good effect as a wash for 



160 people's physician. 

ulcers in the mouth, scald head, or ninnlDg sores of the head, 
and other cutaneous eruptions. A plaster made of the root 
with some vinegar, and applied to the small of the back, ia 
strengthening and remedial in cases of incontinence of urine. 
The powder, or decoction, is well calculated to arrest all ex- 
udations of humors, bleeding or fluxes of blood, of whatever 
nature or source. 



YALEPJAX, — ( Valeriana officinalis.) 



{Properties.) — Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Stimu- 
lant, Tonic. 

Description. — Valerian has a thick, short, grayish root, 
and gives growth to other parts of a similar form, all of 
which have long rootlets and fibres beneath, whereby the 
plant derives nourishment. The stalk is about three feet in 
hight, and furnished with green leaves divided in a pinnate 
manner. It bears white flowers, sometimes presenting a 
tinge of purple — these are succeeded by small, brownish- 
white seeds. This plant is cultivated in gardens, flowering 
in June and July, and continuing until autumn. It is called 
English Yalerian. 

Medical Uses. — The root of Yalerian, used in form of in- 
fusion, or taken in a beverage by way of powder, afibrds 
relief in strangury, pains in the sides, obstructed circulation 
of the blood, obstructed perspiration, or obstructed menses, 
nervous complaints and debility : — an infusion of it, moreover, 
with licorice., raisins^ and anise seed^ removes coughs, short- 
ness of breath, facilitates the expectoration of phlegm, and 
is of service in flatulenc}^ The fresh roots bruised and ap- 
plied, and an infusion taken at the same time, remove severe 
pains of the head, arrest catarrhal defluxions ; and the infusion 
employed as an eye-water helps dimness of sight. 

Dose. — In powder, a tea spoonful of the pulverized root, 
three times a day or oftener. 




Verbena IIastata, (Blue Vervain.) 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 161 

YEBYAm.—iVerhena hastata) 
Properties. — Antibilious, Sudorific, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Yervain or Yervine is a common plant, 
growing by field sides, or in waste places. It rises about two 
feet in hight, and bears white, or pnrpli&h flowers. An in- 
fusion of the leaves is of much service in jaundice, nephritic 
disorders, severe pains, worms-, colds, coughs, s-hortness of 
breath, asthmatic affections, or diseases of the lungs, stomach, 
liver, and spleen. It may be used to advantage with some 
honey for canker in the mouth and ulcers generally — like- 
wise as an application to the forehead and temples ; with the 
oil of roses^ it affords relief in inveterate headache and deli- 
rium. Persons troubled with piles will derive benefit from 
an ointment made of lard and Yervain. A strong infusion 
of the plant taken freely has been employed with success in 
intermittent and remittent fevers. 



YIOLET.— (F^oZ^ odorata.) 
{Properties.) — Demulcent, Emollient, Laxative, Tonic. 



Description. — This is a well-known, herbaceous, low, and 
beautiful plant, called Sweet Yiolet, aud/ound in our flower^ 
gardens. The leaves are cordate or heart-shaped, roundly 
notched on the edges, and supplied with long footstalks. The 
flowers surmount very slender peduncles, and are of a dark 
blue tending to red, or of a violet color. The recent flowers 
have an agreeable sweet smell, and a mucilaginous, bitterish 
taste. They are laxative, and said to possess an anodyne 
and pectoral quality. It blooms in May and June. 

Medical Uses, — Yiolets possess mucilaginous, somewhat 
tonic, and cooling qualities, — the petals of the above described 



162 people's physician. 

are employed as a laxative for cliildren, taken in the dose of 
one drachm, which operates pretty freely; a tea of these, 
likewise, is useful in canker; removes biliary matter, miti- 
gates sharpness and acrimony of the humors, helps quinsy 
and epileptic fits in children, especially in the incipient stage 
of the disease — is beneficial in pleurisy, hoarseness, or dis- 
eases of the lungs. Few are aware of the importance of check- 
ing a cough, or common cold, in the first stage ; that which 
in the beginning would yield to a mild remedy, not unfre- 
quently, if neglected, seriously afiects the lungs — and termi- 
nates in consumption. 

A tea of Yiolet flowers, moreover, alleviates nephritic 
complaints, and is a valuable medicine to mitigate heat and 
quench thirst in fevers. A sirup made of Violets with the 
addition of a little lemon juice, furnishes a cooling cordial in 
fevers. An external application of the leaves, or flowers will 
be found very useful in inflammation of the eyes, or other in- 
flammations, piles, and any swellings attended with irritation. 



YIEGINIA ^^A.'KE-'R0011.—{Aristolochia serpentaria.) 

{Properties) — Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Stimulant, Sudo- 
KiFic, Tonic. 

Description. — This plant has a number of round, slender, 
jointed stems, something less than a foot in hight, set at the 
joints with leaves broad toward the base and diminishing to 
a point, of a light green color. At the joints near the roots 
shoot forth flower stems surmounted by single, hollow, purple, 
monopetalous flowers, drooping or bending down, and with 
a border divided into pointed segments. The seed vessel, 
which consists of six cells, contains a number of small, flat seeds. 
The root is perennial, sending forth many fibres. It has an 
aromatic smell, approaching to that oivalerian^hwt more agree- 
able ; and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste. The plant grows 
in rich grounds, and about woods, flowering in May and June. 




AsAEUM Canadexse, (Wild Ginger.) 



17 




Aristolochia Serpkntaria, (Snake-root.) 




Arum Teiphyllcm, (Many-leaved Wild Turnip.) 



MATERIA MEDICA. 163 

Medical Uses. — As a medicine, the root is considered 
highly useful in supporting the strength, likewise in allaying 
the irregular action attending great febrile lassitude, or weak- 
ness in fevers. It is remarkably well calculated to arrest 
vomiting, and to tranquillize the stomach, especially in bilious 
cases. The root is the part always made use of, and pos- 
sesses the power of arresting the worst forms of typhus fever. 
It is beneficial in pleurisy, dyspepsia, and employed by way 
of gargle in putrid sore throat. A strong infusion taken 
three times a day, is highly valuable in liver complaints and 
rheumatism. It is used, likewise, as an antidote for bites of 
serpents. Its active principles appear to be a bitter resin and 
an essential oil. It possesses stimulant and diaphoretic vir- 
tues, and is employed in some fevers where these effects are 
required. It is thought to increase the efficacy of cinchona 
in cases of protracted ague. 

Dose. — It may be given in powder, a tea spoonful increased 
to one and a half tea spoonsful, or an infusion made by mac- 
erating one ounce of the bruised root in a pint of boiling 
water, and from one half to a whole wine glassfal may be 
given several times a day. Decoction impairs its virtue by 
dissipating the essential oil. 



WAKE-EOBIN.— (J.7^wm tri^pTiylluin .) 

{Properties) — Antioachectic, Antispasmodic, Expecto- 
KANT, Stimulant. 

Description. — This plant, otherwise called vnld turnip^ 
rises, with a few leaves on long footstalks, directly from the 
root; of a dark green color, oblong, with a pointed termina- 
tion, and interspersed on the surface with blackish spots. 
The flower stem is somewhat short, inclosed by a sheath-like 
leaf, or spathe, flat at the central part, and bending above 
with an acute extremity. It produces flowers in the spring, 
arranged on a receptacle within the spathe— these are sue- 



16i people's physician. 

ceeded the last of summer by red berries. It is found in 
swamps and watery places, having a perennial, roundish, 
fibrous root, with connected tubers or knobs. 

Medical Use^. — This plant diffuses its influence as a stim- 
ulus wherever required ; is powerfully conducive to remove 
foul tenacious matter from the stomach, raises persons pros- 
trated by general debility, or who have an ill habit of body 
predisposing them to consumption ; the root boiled in milk 
has proved curative in this malady. Its highly valuable qual- 
ities produce the most happy effects in all rheumatic disorders, 
and spasmodic affections, or pains of the stomach. The fresh 
root simmered in lard is useful in scald head, — in other words, 
tinea capitis or ring- worm of the scalp. 



WATER-CEESS . — {Sisymbrium nasturtium.) 

(^Properties.) — Antiscorbutic, Aperient, Diuretic, Stim- 
ulant. 

Description. — The Water-cress is a perennial plant, having 
weak, succulent stems, and somewhat brownish leaves, of a 
sharp, pungent taste, like that of mustard seed, but much 
weaker. There are different kinds, all of which possess 
similar qualities. They are found in standing water, small 
rivulets, or watery places. 

Medical Uses. — These plants are considered to be very 
efficacious in cases of scurvy — possessing qualities well calcu- 
lated to cleanse or free the blood of all impurities. An in- 
fusion of them is of great utility to cleanse ulcers. Used in 
the spring of the year in the form of greens, or as a salad, 
they are well adapted to regulate the blood, to remove 
vitiated humors which are so deleterious to health. Water- 
cresses are very beneficial in diseases of the urinary organs, 
and visceral obstructions — or as an external application, to 
disperse swellings or inflammations. 



MATERIA MEDIC A. 165 

WHITE LILY.—{LiUum candldum.) 
{Properties.) — Antifebrile, Emollient. 



Medical Uses. — This species of Lily has been long and 
extensively cultivated in gardens. A decoction of the roots 
of White Lilies is excellent in malignant fevers, inasmuch as 
it determines the disease to the surface of the body. An 
ointment, made of the root and some lard, is valuable in 
ecald head or ring-worm of the scalp. Besides, it possesses 
the virtue to cleanse ulcers, having fine, suppurative, dis- 
cutieut qualities. The same is very effective for swellings in 
any part of the body, will cure burns and scalds, usually 
without a scar, and trimly deck a bald head with hair. A 
poultice made of the roasted root with some lard, is a superior 
application to ripen and break malignant sores. The flowers 
are alike useful for the above purposes. 



WELD OR DYER'S WYEJy.—{Resela luteola.) 
{Properties) — Diaphoretic, Deo;bstruent, Discutient. 



Description. — A soft, herbaceous plant, arriving at a hight 
of two or three feet, furnished with alternate, entire, bluish 
green, round pointed leaves, and producing spikes of yellow 
flowers. It has a long, thick, white, bitterish root, is found 
in moist grounds, or by field sides, flowering about June. 
The whole plant after it has been in flower awhile, assumes a 
yellow hue. Weld was introduced into this country from 
Europe; is found in Conneticut, and some other parts of the 
United States. It has been much used for coloring or dyeing 
purposes. 

Medical Uses. — ^The root of this plant is employed in 



166 'people's physician. 

medicine to disperse hard tumors, to remove tough or tena- 
cious mucus, and obstructions. The bruised leaves are of 
service in cuts or wounds. The whole plant may be used as 
a medicine. It has been considered useful in malignant 
fevers, and jaundice. 



WHITE POND LlLY.—{y?/mph(Ba odomta.) 



{Properties.) — Astkixgent, Emollient, Pectoral, Styptic, 
Tonic. 

Description. — This aquatic plant, otherwise called sweet- 
scented water lUy^ has large, floating leaves, sustained on 
very long footstalks, varying in length according to the depth 
of water, and arising from a prostrate root — likewise very 
long flower stems arise from the same, each bearing a large, 
beautiful, white flower, having many petals, and of a most 
sweet or grateful odor. It is found in slow running rivulets, 
ponds, or quiet waters. It opens to the sun in the morning 
and closes at night. 

Medical Uses. — An infusion of the root of AYhite Pond 
Lily, allays internal or external heat or inflammation : — a 
sirup made of the flowers produces a like efiect for internal 
uses. The root prepared by way of infusion, moreover, may 
be used as a gargle for canker in the mouth, — is employed, 
also, to check the discharge of blood or humors from wounds 
and from the bowels, and proves of utility in some forms of 
dysentery. The same is given to allay heat or sharpness 
attending urination. A poultice made of the root disperses 
swellings, or tumors — allays inflammation of wounds, sores, 
or ulcers — cleanses them, and discusses the humors which pre- 
vent their cure. An infusion of the root may be used at 
discretion ; or it may be combined with other astringent 
tonics. The fresh juice of the roots, mixed with lemon, is 
said to remove freckles or pimples from the skin. 




Nyjuph^a Odorata, (White Pond-lilj.) 



1 




Chmaphila Umbellata, (Pipaissewa.) 



( 



MATERIA MEDICA. 167 

WHITEWOOD, TULIP THEE.— {Liriodendron iullplfera) 
{Properties) — Aromatic, Astringent, Stomachic, Tonic. 



Description. — This is a large and magnificent tree, and an 
elegant ornament in the American forests, when it displays 
its beautiful foliage and splendid tulip-like blossoms, which 
appear in May. The trunk or stem is straight and destitute 
of branches excepting near the summit. This tree is also 
called yellow poplar. 

Medical Uses. — The bark of this tree is the part used for 
medical purposes — combined with other tonic bark, such as 
wild cherry harh^ it is of great worth in weakness, hysteria, or 
female complaints — in intermittent fevers, where there are no 
symptoms of inflammation. It is very useful in a dyspeptic, 
or debilitated habit of body — inasmuch as it strengthens the 
stomach, and restores the organs of digestion to a healthy 
state. It is valuable, moreover, in chronic rheumatism. 
The bark may be infused in whisky -or gin. 

Dose. — A table spoonful three or four times a day. 



WHORTLEBEEEY.— ( Vaccinium ulig{nosum.) 
{Properties.) — Astringent, Diuretic, Pectoral, Tonic. 



Description. — This is a much branched shrub, about one 
foot and a half in hight, sometimes less, furnished with alter- 
nate, undivided, dark green leaves, slightly notched on the 
edges. The flowers grow in racemes at the axils of the leaves 
— the}^ are of a pale blush color, small, monopetalous, divided 
at the border into tive lobes. These give place to small, round 
berries, which are black when ripe. The flowers appear in 



168 people's physician. 

May, and the fruit is ripe in July. It is vulgarly called 
Tiucldeherry . 

Medical Uses. — In regard to this shrub, the bark and leaves 
are astringent and tonic, the root and ripe berries are diuretic. 
The dried berries made into a tea and sweetened with molasses, 
are of great utility when the digestive organs are in a deranged 
state. Whortleberries are of a cooling nature, and are useful 
in the hot stages of intermittents or agues — obviate vomiting, 
nausea or loathing at the stomach. The ripe berries, bruised 
and made into a conserve or sirup, answer the above purposes ; 
likewise are very beneficial in protracted coughs, or ulcers on 
the lungs. The root and bruised berries should be put into a 
jug of Holland gin and placed aside to steep for use — this 
taken daily, as much as the constitution will bear, is available 
iu dropsical disorders, nephritic, or gravel complaints. 



WHITE WILLOW.— (6'aZ/a; alia) 
{Properties.) — AsTRINGE^^T, Tonic, Styptic. 



Descrijption. — This tree rises from twenty to twenty-eight 
feet in hight, spreading into many branches, furnished with 
leaves, alternately arranged, pubesceiit, sharply serrate, some- 
what narrow, and tapering to a point. The bark of the trunk 
is rough or cracked, and that of the ultimate ramifications 
is smooth. 

Medical Uses. — The bark is the part chiefly used in medi- 
cine, being employed in form of powder, or by way of decoc- 
tion, which is of very good service, taken or externally applied 
as occasion requires, to arrest bleeding of wounds, spitting of 
blood, or discharges of blood from the bowels. It counteracts 
sharp, serous defluxious affecting the lungs, which tend to 
produce consumption. Likewise, in cases of intermittent 
fevers, it has been used in lieu of Peruvian bark. A decoc- 
tion of the bruised leaves is said to be of much service in 



MATERIA MEDICA. 169 

flatulent or wind colic, some pepper being added. The bark 
has often proved valuable, externally applied to filthy and 
indolent ulcers, prepared in form of decoction. The bark of 
this tree is intensely bitter. Not only the bark of this species 
of Salix^ but those of several others possess similar medicinal 
qualities. 

Dose. — From one to three tea spoonsful of the powdered root. 



WILD GIISTGEE. — {Asarum canadense,) 
{Properties) — Diaphobetio, Ekkhine, Keevine, Stimulant. 



Medical Uses. — This plant is considered to be one of our 
best nervines ; and the root greatly resembles ginger in its 
properties. The root of Wild Ginger is a warming stimulant, 
and may be used to good advantage in all cases of coldSj 
whooping coughs, female obstructions, fevers, etc. 

The powder of the dried leaves furnish an excellent snuff, 
which may be used for many diseases of the head and eyes. 



WmTEEGEEEKjPIPSISSEWA. (C'Am^i^M^wmS^ZZa^a.) 
{Properties) — Astringent, Alterative, Diuretic, Tonic. 



Description. — This plant rises from a brownish, perennial 
root, with a few woody, upright, or somewhat inclining stems, 
five or nine inches in hight, furnished with leaves at stated 
spaces, blunt at the termination, and diminishing down to 
the base, serrated, and of a dark lustrous green on the upper 
surface. The flowers are arranged in a corj^mbus form or 
in clusters, each on a bending pedicle or flower stem, con- 
sisting of five petals, roundish, of a whitish hue, and present- 
ing a shade of red at the base. These are succeeded by a five- 
celled capsule, containing minute seeds. 
18 



170 people's physician. 

Medical Uses. — The valuable properties of this species of 
Winter Green are not sufficiently known to be fully or justly 
appreciated. It is a medicine much used by the Indians in 
fevers, nephritic diseases, rheumatism, etc., being very pleas- 
ant, as well as very strengthening, — is used as a decided rem- 
edy in cases of scrofula, cancer and dropsy : imparts activity 
to the absorbents, as it is well known that the interruption 
of their function often induces the latter disease. It is very 
valuable in calculous complaints, impaired digestion, and 
lassitude of the system. There is scarcely a better medicine 
to remove all impurities of the blood than this plant. It is 
admirably well adapted to the cure of inveterate, ill-condi- 
tioned ulcers and eruptions of the skin. For these purposes 
it should be used internally as well as externally. It is highly 
useful for ulcers in the kidneys, or neck of the bladder. Per- 
sistency in the use of this medicine corrects an ill habit of body. 
The fresh leaves are said to be acrid ; when dried, and in 
decoction, they have an atsringent, tonic, and diuretic action, 
very similar to lear^ sherry. It may be used in form of de- 
coction, infusion, or extract, to suit convenience. 

Dose. — Of the decoction a pint daily. 



WOODBmE, HOl^EYSUCKLE.— (Z(?nzc6m capri folium.) 
{Properties.) — Diuretic, Parturient, Pectoral, Stimulant. 



Medical Uses. — This plant is cultivated for the beauty and 
fragrance of its flowers, which bloom in June. A sirup 
made of its flowers, is taken with very advantageous effects, 
in bronchitis, asthma, and other pectoral complaints. It is 
beneficial in affections of the spleen, obstructions resulting 
from taking cold, cramps, and paralytic disorders, and affords 
speedy relief in cases of parturition. The flowers may be 
prepared by way of infusion, sirup, or conserve — an ointment 
made of them clears the skin pi tan, sun-burning, freckles, 
and other discolorings. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 171 

WOBMWOOD,— {Artemisia aUinthium.) 

(Properties.) — Antepileptio, Anthelmintic, Antibilious, 
DiscuTiENT, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Description. — Wormwood rises with round, branched, 
channeled or creased stems, two or three feet in hight, and 
furnished with much divided leaves. It bears racemes of 
yellow, drooping, or nodding flowers, and is much cultivated 
in gardens for medical purposes, usually flowering in August, 
and is a perennial plant. It was introduced into this country 
from Europe, the place of its nativity. 

; Medical Uses. — Wormwood is very strengthening — it obvi- 
ates the efiects of debility, and restores healthy functions. It 
possesses very valuable merits in quinsy and disorders of the 
throat, jaundice, bruises or injuries, whether internal or ex- 
ternal, swellings and inflammations. When taken by itself, 
or not mixed with other herbs, for internal injuries or weak- 
ness, it should be put into a tight tumbler of cold water, or bo 
infused into a bottle of new rum. The powder of the root is 
highly recommended in epilepsy. 

Dose. — One large tea spoonful three times a day. 

An infusion of equal parts of Wormwood and rosemary, 
with the addition of half part of saffron, in wine, furnishes 
a beverage well adapted to keep the body in a good state of 
health. Wormwood strongly steeped in a bottte of new rum 
and a tea spoonful of pulverized saltpetre added, afibrds 
an excellent external application for bruises, swellings, or 
wounds, — and is considered, moreover, an invaluable remedy 
in cases of inflammatory rheumatism, being copiously and 
frequently applied, or smartly and vigorously rubbed on the 
part affected. An infusion of this plant in water, taken when 
cold, proves curative in chills and fever, dullness of the 
brain, and weakness of sight — used as a local wash, it is a 
present remedy for the sting of insects. When Wormwood 



172 people's physician. 

is strewed among clothes, moths will never trouble them. 
Both alcohol and water extract the virtues of this plant. 

Dose. — Of the powder of the dried leaves, from one to two 
large tea spoonsful may be given. Of the infusion, made 
with one ounce of the herb to a quart of boiling water, from one- 
half to a whole wine glassful may be given three times a day. 



YAM-EOOT OR QW:K^-'?>.001..—{I)io8Coreavillo8a) 
{Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stdiflant. 



Medical Uses. — The tincture of this root is highly recom- 
mended as an expectorant; and an infusion of the root is 
highly extolled as a remedy in bilious colic. 

Dose. — One and a half ounce of the powder may be boiled 
in a pint of water, and one-third given at a time. 



YAEEOW. — {Achillea millefolium.) 

{Properties.) — Aromatic, Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. 



Description. — Yarrow rises from fourteen to twenty inches 
in hight, furnished with bipinnate, very finely divided leaves. 
Its llowers are white, and arranged in clusters or in a corym- 
bus form. It is found in pastures, by fence sides, and in 
waste places, flowering from August until the middle of 
autumn, and is a perennial plant. 

Medical Uses. — Yarrow is a highly valuable plant for medi- 
cal purposes, and employed by way of infusion, strengthens 
the retentive force of the stomach, is excellent in spitting of 
blood, diarrhea, dysentery, or bloody flux — fiuor albus, pro- 
fuse menses, cramps or spasms, measles, small-pox, scarlatina, 
colic, convulsions in infants, ague and fever, and incontinence 
of urine. The same as a wash prevents falling of the hair. 




DioscoREA ViLLOSA, (Yam-root.) 




Mknispeemum Canadense, (Yello"w Parilla.) 



I 



MATERIA MEDICA. 173 

A tea of Yarrow, sweetened with honey, has cured the bleed- 
ing piles, when all other remedies have proved ineffectual. 
An external application by way of ointment, is not only very 
good to dry and heal recent cuts or wounds, but also ulcers, or 
sores, especially such as are attended with profuse discharge. 



YELLOW 'DOCK.~{Bumex crispus.) 

(Properties.) — Alterative, Deobstkuent, Tonic. 

Medical Uses.— Yellow Dock is a very valuable purifier 
of the blood, expelling bad humors from the system, besides, 
is very strengthening in cases of debility, and removes biliary 
obstructions, A decoction of Yellow Dock root is considered 
useful in the cure of cancers. A poultice of the bruised root 
scatters indolent swellings, and an ointment made of this 
reduces swellings of the glands, cures the itch and other 
eruptions. A sirup of the root is excellent to remove scrofu- 
lous, mercurial, and other taints of the system 



YELLOW PAEILLA. — {Menispermum canadense.) 
{Properties.) — Antisyphilitic, Laxative, Kervine, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — This plant grows plentifullyin the Western 
country; and is likewise called moon-seed., or vine-maple. 
The root is a grateful bitter tonic and laxative, and an excel- 
lent medicine in dyspepsia, and cases of debility. It gives 
tone to the nervous system ; and hence is useful in cases of 
nervous irritation, hysterical affections, spasms, and all de- 
rangements of the functions of the brain. This root sustains 
a high reputation as a remedy in mercurial diseases ; a vitiated 
or corrupt state of blood, proceeding from any infection or 
malady which poisons the blood, or engenders virulent, dele- 
terious humors. It may be taken freely by way of infusion 
or extract. 



174 people's physician. 

YELLOW-B,OOT.—(XantAorrMzaaj){ifoUa.) 

{Properties) — Antiseptic, Tonio. 



Descrijption. — This is a low, busliy tree, growiDg from two 
to three and a half feet in hight. The flowers are of a dark 
purple color, bark smooth, and the wood of a bright yellow. 
It is a native of the Southern States, and is found very plenti- 
fully along the Ohio river. 

Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called yellow-wort^ 
yellow-wood^ or parsley-leaved yellow-root. The root of this 
shrub is a pure bitter tonic, and it possesses properties very 
similar to coliiviba. Both the wood and bark of the roots 
may be employed for medicine. It may be prepared by itself, 
and given in decoction, or combined with other tonics, and 
used in many cases of disease. 

Dose. — Two tea spoonsful of the root in decoction. 



DISEASES. 



PwEMAKKS O^ DISEASE. 



Those who have but a superficial knowledge of disease and 
the practice of medicine, will very likely come to the conclu- 
sion that diseases are exceedingly numerous and diversified, 
but when subjected to analysis, they are found to consist of 
but comparatively few constituent states of derangement, by 
the combination of which, in various modes, in relation to 
number, seat, and degree, the great apparent diversity is pro- 
duced. Therefore we may infer that disease is of a more 
simple and elementary character than has heretofore been 
admitted by the medical profession. Though we may not be 
able to push the analysis of diseases to their absolute ele- 
ments, yet we are able to appreciate to a great extent their 
less complex combination, forming the proximate ingredients 
of those associations of morbid states or actions of the func- 
tions of the system, which we call disease. 



GElsTEEAL DISEASES. 



For the sake of convenience, and that the reader may better 
understand us, we will divide disease into two great classes, 
general and local. The former includes those which affect 
the whole system at the same time ; the latter those which. 
affect some particular structure or function, and in which the 
general or constitutional phenomena are only secondary. 

(175) 



176 FEVERS. 



CHAPTER I. 

FEVEES. 
this class is composed of the followes'g names : 
irritati\t: fe^-er, typhus fever, 

INTERMITTENT OR SMALL-POX OR 

MIASMATIC FEVER, VARIOLA, 

remittent fever, VACINE DISEASE, 

BILIOUS FEVER, CHICKEN-POX, 

REMITTENT BILIOUS FEVER, MEASLES, 

YELLOW-FEVER, SCARLATINA, 

TYPHOID FEVER, ERYSIPELAS. 

The term fever is employed in two different senses ; one to 
denote a peculiar state of the system, which may be present 
in any disease, and which exhibits itself chiefly by an increase 
of temperature ; the other to signify certain affections, in 
which the above, with other symptoms, are usually present. 
Thus we speak of intermittent, remittent, and typhus fevers 
as special diseases, whilst in a more general sense, we speak 
of an individual having fever as an accompanying symptom 
of a pleurisy a pneumonia. The importance of bearing in 
mind the above distinction between the application of the 
term fevei' will be obvious, when it is recollected that in many 
cases, the so called fever, the symptom fever may be entirely 
absent ; this is familiar in the cold stage of an intermittent, or 
as a characteristic condition of the fatal cases of pernicious or 
congestive chills. In fevers there is usually more or less de- 
rangement of all the functions, the most striking symptoms 
being pain in the head, sensorial or nervous irregularity, in- 
creased heat of the skin, increased frequency of the pulse, and 
loss of appetite. Various premonitory symptoms usually in- 



FEVERS. 177 



timate its approach. These constitute its forming 
There is a sense of lassitude and weariness, general aching of 
the body, slight chilliness, and occasional headache, with disin- 
clination for food. These symptoms may continue for days, 
and are sometimes wholly absent. They are most apt to occur 
in protracted fevers, as the typhus and typhoid. The coldstage 
or cTiill^ is the first decided evidence of the disorder. Its 
approach is sometimes gradual, and sometimes sudden, and 
varies much in intensity. The sensations are of a nervous 
character, though it is often attended with some reduction of 
the temperature of the body. The pains which accompany 
it are purely of a nervous character. Its duration is variable, 
in some cases not exceeding a few minutes ; in others, con- 
tinuing for hours, or even days. 

The cold stage is gradually merged into the liot stage^ in 
which there is an actual increase in the temperature of the 
body, rising occasionally as high as one hundred and seven ; 
along with this, there is an increased fullness and frequency 
of the pulse,|varying, however, very much in this respect, 
occasionally reaching as high as one hundred and fifty or one 
hundred and sixty per minute. There is also a flushed face 
generally, together with more or less pain in the head, and 
an increase of sensibility to light and sound. 

The secretions are always deranged in fever; they are 
usually diminished, or entirely suppressed. In the declining 
stage of fever there is frequently profuse evacuations from the 
skin, kidneys, bowels, etc. These are termed critical dis- 
charges. 

The duration and course of fever varies ; it occasionally 
runs through all its stages and terminates in a day ; in which 
case it is called an ephemera. Again, it may return after an 
interval, differing in length, when it is named intermittent or 
fever and ague. Again, it may partially decline, and after- 
wards return with its former intensity, when it is called 
remittent; and finally it may continue with little or no ten- 
dency to remission, in which case it receives the name of con- 
tinued fever. There is two opposite grades of fever ; the 
one denominated the inflammatory, marked by an increased 



178 I Pv Pw I T A T I Y E F E V E R . 

vital action : the other, the 7(9 1^ grade or typhus fever; it is 
characterized by a feeble condition of the vital forces. Some 
of the foregoiDg fevers are propagated by contagion, and are 
hence called contagious ; some have the property in common 
of being attended with an eruptive affection, and are denomi- 
nated eruptive or exanthematous fevers. 



SECTION I. 
IRRITATIVE FEYER. 



By this is meant a simple fever, arising from an irritating 
cause, but unattended with any local inflammation. Usually 
its duration is short, — from one to five or six days. K it 
extends beyond this time, the probability is that some local 
inflammation has been developed. It evinces a tendency to 
remit. 

Symptoms. — Are those of fevers generally, only milder. 
In infants it may commence with convulsions or spasms, and 
during the paroxysm there may be drowsiness, even approach- 
in2: coma. 

Causes. — Any cause producing irritation. In children the 
causes are more frequently such as teething, undigested sub- 
stances in the bowels, worms, etc. Hence it is often called 
worm fever. 

Treatraent. — This is usually very simple. Remove the 
cause, and diet the patient, if there seem to be nothing more 
than febrile excitement. Cooling purgatives will be found 
effectual. A dose of salts and senna followed by a refrigerant 
diaphoretic. In children, if there is much nervous excite- 
ment, it may be met with asafoetida tea, given every five 
minutes ; also, apply a garlic poultice to the feet, which are 
usually all that is necessary. 



INTERMITTENT FEVER. 179 

SECTION II. 

MIASMATIC FEYEES. 



There are three different fevers that we shall arrange under 
this name, because they all have their origin in the same 
cause, miasma. They are the intermittent^ remittent., and 
pernicious. Miasma is caused by the concurrence of the heat, 
moisture, and vegetable decomposition. It prevails to some 
extent in all low, marshy districts, except in some of the 
extreme Eastern States, and is much more malignant in warm 
southern climates than in high northern districts. Miasma 
having a great affinity for moisture, is more condensed early 
in the morning and late at night, consequently there is more 
danger of being affected if exposed at such times. 



SECTION III. 
mTERMITTENT YYN'E.'R.— {Fever and Ague.) 



This is characterized by febrile paroxysms, returning at 
stated intervals, and by the absence of fever between the 
paroxysms. There are three varieties ; 1st, the quotidian.^ in 
which the chills and fever comes on every^ day ; 2d, the 
tertian^ which comes on alternate days, and 3d, quartan., 
which comes ^ once in three daj^s. 

Symptoms. — An intermittent has three stages ; First, the 
cold stage, beginning with chilliness and violent shiverings ; 
the finger nails blue, headache, backache, quick, small pulse, 
and sometimes vomiting. This lasts from one to two or three 
hours, then commences the second or Jiotstage^ beginning with 
flushes of heat, which gradually increase, the skin becomes 
hot and dry, the face flushed, the pulse full and frequent. 
After a duration of several hours, the third, or sweating stage., 
makes its appearance, and perspiration becomes profuse all 



180 INTERMITTENT FEVER. 

over the body. The urine is high-colored and copious. 
Now the patient feels tolerably well, but weak till the next 
paroxysm. These are the usual symptoms, with some vari- 
ations, of which the plan of our present work will not allow 
us to speak. 

Cause. — Marsh miasma being absorbed by the lungs, enters 
into the circulation, deranges the excretory organs, especially 
the liver and spleen, consequently the patient is more or less 
bilious. Any thing which debilitates the system is a pre- 
disposing cause. 

Treatment. — In cases where the stomach is loaded or the 
patient is bilious, commence with an emetic, and follow it 
with an active cathartic, such as the compound cathartic pills, 
or compound extract of colycinth ; or where the liver is dor- 
mant and the stools are of a liglit color, two large blue mass 
pills may be taken at night. In mild cases, an emetic is not 
indicated, and a cathartic is all that is required to cleanse the 
stomach and bowels. During the cold stage give the patient 
warm drinks of tea, and hot foot baths. In the hot stage 
give cold drinks, as ice water, lemonade, and refrigerant 
diaphoretics. After sweating, rub the skin dry with warm 
towels. 

"When the paroxysm is over, commence giving some anti- 
periodic remedy to prevent its return. Sulphate of quinine 
is an excellent remedy ; from two to four grains may be given 
every two hours till from twelve to eighteen grains are taken. 
The reader must bear in mind that the system must be brought 
under the influence of quinine. To prevent the chill, it is 
best to commence giving the quinine about six or eight hours 
before the chill comes on, and give it in such quantities that 
all may be taken before the period for the chill an-ives. To 
prevent its return^ the patient should use a tonic mixture. 

Peruvian bark, • 1 oz., 

Rhubarb, 2 drachms, 

Ginger root, 1 " 

Carbonate of iron, i oz. 



REMITTENT FEVER. 181 

These should be pulverized and put into one pint of the best 
of brandy or other good spirits, of this the patient should 
take a table spoonful three times a day before each meal, and 
not omitting to shake the bottle before pouring out for use. 
This should be taken for two or three weeks, or until the sys- 
tem recovers its former health and vigor. 

Among the prescriptions in the latter part of this work will 
be found several which may be resorted to if the case should 
prove obstinate. 



SECTIOIST lY. 

EEMITTEIS'T FEYER. 

{Bilious Fever, — Bilious Remittent.) 



This fever is usually caused by marsh miasma. It is most 
common in the southern and middle portions of the United 
States ; the localities where it is the most prevalent are the 
valleys of streams, the borders of lakes and ponds, the neigh- 
borhood of marshes, and the western prairies. It occurs mostly 
during the summer and autumnal months. 

Symptoms. — Several days before the invasion of the disease, 
the patient complains of uneasiness in the region of the sto- 
mach, lassitude, pains in the limbs, back, and head, espe- 
cially over the eyes. Finally the disease commences with a 
chilly, shivering sensation, which is soon superseded by febrile 
flushes, or by alternations of heat and cold, by nausea, and 
sometimes vomiting. The pains in different parts of the 
body become aggravated ; the mouth is dry, the tongue is 
usually coated with a white or yellow fur ; the pain in the 
head is attended with a feeling of distension and throbbing, 
often passing to delirium. 

The pulse is full, hard, and frequent ; thirst is great, bowels 
constipated, and the urine scanty and high-colored. 

These symptoms usually continue from ten, twelve, or 
19 



182 REMITTENT FEVER. 

eighteen hours ; when the perspiration breaks out, the pulse 
falls in force and frequency, the delirium and the irritability 
of the stomach subsides. There is the remission, which varies 
exceedingly, from two to three hours to whole days. Another 
paroxysm then occurs, but usually without a chill, running 
the same course as the first, and each successive paroxysm 
becoming more severe and remission less decided. About 
this period the disease may be checked by proper and active 
treatment, but if it is obstinate and does not yield, the symp- 
toms may become more violent. The skin becomes dry and 
harsh, or moist and clammy ; the tongue is black and crusted. 
Vomiting and pain in the epigastrium are more constant. 

In unfavorable cases the skin becomes yellowish, the bowels 
irritable, the evacuations become watery, greenish, and at 
last almost black; the urine is scanty, high-colored, and 
sometimes of a yellowish brown color. The headache is 
intense, accompanied with much nervous derangement and 
delirium. 

Treatment. — If there is much sickness at the stomach, and 
vomiting of small portions of bile, an emetic should be given: 
for this purpose five grains of tartar emetic, and twenty grains 
of ipecac, made into a draught, and a table spoonful given 
every five or ten minutes till the desired effect is produced. 
Copious drinks of warm water should be taken, which facili- 
tates the vomiting and cleanses the stomach more thoroughly. 
A cathartic should then be given ; this may consist of the 
compound cathartic pills of the United States Pharmacopoeia, 
found at the druggists, or a dose of calomel and jalap, con- 
sisting of from ten to fifteen grains of the former and from 
five to eight of the latter ; this we regard as an excellent 
cathartic, it not only carries off all acrid excrementitious 
matter from the alimentary canal, but rouses up the excretory 
organs and assists them in throwius; off from the svstem all 
miasmatic poison and all impurities that may exist in the 
blood. 

Where there is not much derangement of the biliary organs, 
an infusion of salts and senna, or senna and manna will an- 



PERNICIOUS FEVER. 183 

swer the purpose. After this the bowels should be kept open 
by using gentle aperients, such as cream of tartar, or rhu- 
barb in tea spoonful doses. 

During the hot stage, refrigerant diaphoretics should be 
used. We know of none better than the neutral mixture, or 
solution of the citrate of potash, which may be obtained in 
any drug store ; lemonade, or tamarind water also answers 
this purpose. 

By pursuing this course a few days the disease may gen- 
erally be brought to a decided intermission, in which case 
the sulphate of quinine may be administered, in the same 
manner as spoken of in the treatment of fever and ague, and 
it seldom fails to perfect a cure. 



SECTION Y. 
PEROTCIOUS FEYER. 



{Congestive Fevers. — Pernicious Intermittent. — Perni- 
cious Remittent.) 

In this disease there is a sudden and great prostration of 
the nervous power. It is a modification of miasmatic fever, 
and may be remittent, intermittent, or continued ; however, 
it can only be called a continued fever in the first part of the 
disease, for in a few days, if the disease persists, it becomes 
paroxysmal, — either intermittent or remittent. 

In many cases the organic functions are afiected ; chiefly 
the digestion, respiration, circulation, and secretions; and again 
sometimes it attacks the brain, the heart, or the alimentary 
canal. At times it approaches like an ordinary intermittent, 
at others it has peculiar features of its own. It may occur at 
any hour of the night or day. "When the disease is fully 
formed, the face and hands are of a livid paleness, the features 
shrunk and expressive of alarm, the skin contracted and shriv- 
eled like a washer-woman's hands. The extremities, and 



184 PEKNICIOUS FEYER. 

sometimes even the breath are cold. At times the surface is 
moist, with a clammy perspiration, or bathed in a profuse 
sweat. The tongue is sometimes pale, cold, or dry, and 
sometimes unaltered. There is tenderness of the stomach, 
internal heat, and great thirst. Xausea and incessant vomit- 
ing are present, with constipatiou, or the reverse. When there 
is diarrhea and discharges of bloody serum, the pulse is small 
and irregular, sometimes hard, but oftener feeble and flutter- 
ing, and at times intermittent. 

The above symptoms are those which accompany the chill. 
The duration of the i)aroxysm varies ; sometimes it lasts only 
a few hours, and at others it is extended to two or three days, 
mingled with attempts at reaction, and when reaction does 
come, it is in no degree equal to the preceding depression. 
At other times a slight degree of fever remains ; it is only a 
remission that has taken place ; again it may approach more 
near to an intermission. If the disease is not arrested, the 
same train of symptoms present themselves the next day, or 
the day after, with increased violence ; the second is usually 
fatal, though the third often occurs before death takes place. 
Sometimes the whole force of the disease is spent upon the 
heart, then the prominent symptom is excessive prostration 
of the circulation. When the animal functions are aflected, 
the paroxysm begins with drowsiness, loss of memory, con- 
fusion, generally passing into deep coma, or an apoplectic 
state. Sometimes convulsions are present. In some cases 
coma is preceded by delirium. 

Causes. — The same as that of intermittents and remittents. 
It is estimated that three fourths of the cases when not prop- 
erly treated, die. Sometimes whole settlements are swept off 
by the disease. If seen in the first or second paroxysm, the 
danger may be averted. 

Treatment. — We should endeavor to bring about a reaction 
as soon as possible. One of the best remedies is artificial 
heat ; a warm, moist application the whole length of the ab- 
domen, mustard plasters to the feet and wrists, or on the in- 



YELLOW-FEVEE. 185 

side of the thighs, friction along the spine, and other parts of 
the body with turpentine or cayenne pepper. 

If there is no delirium, and diarrhea be present, a grain to 
a grain and a half of opium may be given. Internal, stimu- 
lants may be given for this purpose; the sulphate of quinine 
may be taken even in the paroxysm, and it should be admin- 
istered in decided, or large doses. Cayenne pepper is of 
great benefit, and may be given in connection with the qui- 
nine, and opium added if necessary. The remedies should 
be varied to suit the case. 

As we value the life of the patient, we must endeavor to 
prevent the second paroxysm, and for this purpose we should 
commence to administer sulphate of quinine as soon as the 
intermission commences, and from thirty to sixty grains 
should be given between the paroxysms. 



SECTION VI. 
YELLOW-FEYEE. 



This is a disease of warm climates, depending upon a special 
cause, and occurs mostly during the summer months, and 
ceasing after frost. 

It prevails chiefly in towns on the seaboard and streams 
emptying into the ocean. 

Symptoms. — The attacks sometimes come on without any 
warning, occurring in the midst of apparent health. It 
generally comes with a chill, and severe pains in the head, 
back and limbs. Yfhen febrile reaction is established, the 
skin is hot and dry, the respiration hurried, the face flushed, 
the eyes red and watery, and the conjunctiva much injected. 
There is a sense of uneasiness, and sometimes tenderness in 
the region of the stomach, accompanied by nausea and vom- 
iting. At first, the tongue is moist, and covered with a 



186 YELLOW-FEVER. 

yellowish white fur, there is also extreme thirst. Tlie pulse 
varies from sixty to one hundred and twenty, or even one 
hundred and forty. At times it is unnaturally slow ; either 
extreme is indicative of great danger. Sometimes the mind 
is clear, and the muscular strength unimpaired; at others, 
there is delirium and prostration. Usually the bowels are 
costive, and when passages are obtained they are unhealthy 
in character; as the disease advances the pain in the limbs 
increases, especially in the calves and front of the legs. 

The above by some authors is called the starje of increase^ 
and lasts from a few hours to three days; the shorter the 
duration the more violent the disease. After this there is a 
remission, all the symptoms abate, and the patient seems to 
be recovering, but there are symptoms by which we may be 
warned of the further continuance of the disease. The epi- 
gastrium is even more tender upon pressure, the skin of a 
yellow orange color, the urine is of a yellow tinge, and the 
pulse sinks as low as forty in the minute. After a short calm 
the stomach assumes its former irritability, and the peculiar 
substance called hlack vomit is ejected. The tongue is dry, 
brown, and chapped. The patient becomes more and more 
prostrated ; at times, passive hemorrhage, and at others, sup- 
pression or retention of urine. The pulse becomes more 
feeble, the respiration sighing, the matter ejected from the 
stomach is brought up without effort, and discharges of the 
same matter takes place from the bowels. This condition is 
sometimes called the collapse stage. Sometimes, instead of 
the collapse, symptoms of reaction set in, which are always 
to be regarded as salutary efforts of nature, sometimes termi- 
nating in health, sometimes, however, running on to extreme 
exhaustion, or assuming a typhoid form. 

Causes. — There is various speculation as to the cause of 
this disease. There is no doubt that it is as specific as small- 
pox, though of its precise nature nothing definite is known. 
Filth and heat alone are not able to produce it; neither is 
marsh miasma, independent of other causes. 

It is erroneous to suppose that it is owing to the same 



YELLOW-FEVER. I8T 

causes which produce remittent fevers, for in many parts of 
the world where the latter are constantly occurring, Yellow- 
fever has never been known. Again, Yellow-fever prevails 
in IsLY^Q towns, this is not the case with remittent fevers. 

Those who are acclimated are seldom attacked with Yellow- 
fever, while it is well known that one attack of bilious fever 
secures no exemption from another, nor are the symptoms of 
the two diseases alike. Many believe it to be contagious, 
while many others deny it. Strangers are more liable to it 
than residents, and whites than negroes. The predisposing 
causes are exposure, intemperance, fear, and sudden changes 
of weather. 

Treatment. — In the early part of the disease, an emetic is 
of much service, especially if the stomach is irritable and 
loaded ; however, it should only be used under those circum- 
stances. Cold effusions are highly recommended. Mercu- 
rials are admitted on all sides to be of great service. Fifteen 
to twenty-five grains of calomel may be given to act as a 
cathartic, and repeated in smaller doses till the gums are 
slightly touched, — ice given internally, together with cool 
spongings externally; the latter with caution. Ice will often 
allay the excessive irritability of the stomach ; for the same 
purpose the effervescing draught may be given. 

In the second stage the febrifuge depleting remedies should 
be suspended, except the calomel, which should be continued 
in small doses. From one-half to two grains of sugar of lead 
may be given occasionally, to subdue the inflammation of the 
stomach, and also to act as an astringent. A blistering 
plaster may also be applied over the stomach. The muriate 
tincture of iron is highly recommended, in doses of from 
twenty to sixty drops every two hours — its administration, 
should be commenced before the black vomit appears. 

In the tJdrd stage cordials and stimulants are required. 
Two ounces of pulverized Peruvian bark, and an ounce of 
serpentaria, may be digested forty-eight hours in a pint of 
good brandy, and a dessert spoonful taken occasionally ; — 
from five to ten drops of spirits of turpentine taken every six 



188 TYPHOID FEVER. 

or twelve hours, — wine whey, brandy and water, capsicum, 
etc., are all excellent remedies. Hot baths will also be found 
beneficial. The apartments should be well ventilated, and 
all excrementitious matter removed. 



SECTION VII. 
TYPHOID ^EYER.—(Mrvous Fever.) 



The term tyjplioid as applied to this disease is regarded by 
some as objectionable, because it expresses only a condition 
common to many other diseases. 

Sym.jptoms. — Usually there is a sense of weariness, languor, 
and general uneasiness, slight headache on rising in the 
morning, dullness of intellect, irregular flushes of heat, or 
chilliness, slight accelerations of the pulse, furred tongue, and 
a disposition to diarrhea. These symptoms, with various 
modifications, generally last for three or four days, and some- 
times are extended to a week, or more, after which the dis- 
ease is fully formed, and commences with a chill, followed 
by the usual phenomena of fever. 

When' the disease is fairly established there is an increased 
frequency of the pulse, from ninety, to one hundred and two, 
the latter usually in females. As a general rule the pulse is 
under a hundred. There is headache, with a dull, heavy 
expression of countenance ; with pain in the back and limbs, 
restlessness, bleeding at the nose, and yellow, watery stools. 
As the disease advances all symptoms become a^'^gravated, 
the pulse more frequent and strong ; the skin hot and dry, 
the tongue becomes dry, red at the tip and edges ; there is 
pain in the lower part and right side of the abdomen, with a 
gurgling sound upon pressure ; the abdomen is somewhat 
swelled. Sometimes, about this period in the disease, the 
symptoms of pneumonia, or bronchitis, make their appear- 
ance. From the seventh to the ninth day, if the surface of 



TYPHOID FEVER. 189 

the abdomen be carefully examined, there will be found upon 
it a number of small, round, red spots, disappearing upon 
pressure — these are called the rose-colored spots^ and consti- 
tute a characteristic eruption ; they are about the diameter of 
a pin's head and slightly elevated. About this time, or later, 
a crop of vesicles will be detected on the neck and breast. 

At this period the symptoms are still more aggravated ; 
delirium, with a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, fol- 
lowed by dullness of hearing or deafness. The eyes are 
injected or sunken, the tongue becomes incrusted with a 
black coating, which cracks and peels off, leaving the raw 
surface exposed ; the teeth are also colored with sordes ; the 
pulse becomes more feeble and frequent, accompanied by a 
low muttering delirium, and sometimes twitching or spasms 
of the muscles. As the patient becomes more feeble, he slips 
down in bed ; involuntary evacuation from the bowels ; hem- 
orrhage from the bowels, or other mucus — the skin shows a 
disposition to slough. This is the usual course of the disease 
when it terminates fatally. If the disease is to terminate 
favorably the symptoms subside, the countenance brightens, 
the pulse lessens in frequency, and the evacuations become 
more healthy. If the tongue ceases to clean, and becomes 
dry, it is an evidence of intestinal disorder ; it often happens 
at this time that emaciation becomes more evident than it 
was before. 

It sometimes happens in the course of the second week, the 
patient is seized with violent pain in the abdomen, vomiting 
of green, bilious matter, a small, fluttering pulse, faintings, 
constipation, and coldness of the extremities. 

The cause of these symptoms, perforation of the intestines 
and escape of their contents into the cavity of the peritoneum, 
producing inflammation. It occurs mostly in the mild forms 
of the disease, and is almost always fatal. 

Cause. — This is not definitely known. It attacks all 
classes, rich and poor, though it is often generated where a 
number of persons are crowded together, with unwholesome 
or insufficient food, and confined and vitiated air. Hence it 



190 TYPHOID FEVER. 

is frequently called sliip-fever ; it is not considered bj some 
to be contagions ; it seldom attacks those beyond thirty ; stran- 
gers are more liable to it, and males than females. It occurs 
at any season, but more frequently in autumn and winter. 

Treatment. — This may usually be commenced by some mild 
laxative, such as a dose of castor oil, a small dose of sulphate 
of magnesia, rhubarb and magnesia, or a seidlitz powder, 
according to the nature of the case. 

We should always bear in mind the diarrhea or the ten- 
dency to it, and avoid all drastic or irritating cathartics ; we 
should endeavor next to subdue the fever; cold applications 
should be employed to the head. 

Diaphoretics are of much benefit throughout the whole 
course of the disease ; for this purpose the neutral mixture, 
tartarized antimony, sweet spirits of nitre, etc., may be used 
in the early part of the disease, and a decoction of elder 
flowers in the latter part of tlie disease. 

The cold applications may be employed to the head by means 
of ice in bladders ; these are very serviceable in relieving 
pain in the head and delirium. The hair should be cut very 
close. 

If the diarrhea is profuse, it may be arrested by opium and 
ipecac, a half grain each given every two hours, till the bowels 
are checked. If there is much nervous derangement, it may 
be combated with Hoffman's Anodyne in tea spoonful doses, 
every three hours, or camphor water. 

As the disease advances, if the tongue becomes dry, the 
urine scanty, and the skin parched, with delirium, or stupor, 
and an abatement of vital action, no remedy is better than 
mercury, given so as to slightly aflect the gums. Blue mass 
or calomel may be given in small doses every four or six 
hours, till an impression is made. 

If the disease should not yield, and especially should the 
tongue remain dry, and the abdomen distended, spirits of 
turpentine may be given occasionally in doses of from five 
to twenty drops every two hours, and continued for a day or 
two. If debility increase, the patient's strength should be 



SMALL-POX. 191 

supported with beef tea, wine whey, milk punch, etc., together 
with the use of small doses of quinine, opium, or serpentaria. 
The diet should be mild in the first part of the disease, and 
more nutritious as the disease advances. 



SECTION YIII. 
SMALL-POX— ((^r Variola.) 



This disease is contagious, and is characterized by an initial 
fever, of three or four days duration, succeeded by an eruption, 
which passes through the difierent stages of pimple, vesicle, 
and pustule. 

The ancient Greeks and Eomans give us no accounts of 
Small-Pox, but we have some accounts that it originated, 
and prevailed, in India, and China from time immemorial, 
and was introduced into Europe by the Arabs, about the time 
of Mahomet's birth. 

The Small-pox usually appears towards spring, it is very 
frequent in summer, less so in autumn, and still less in winter. 

It is said that children are more liable to this disease than 
adults ; this may be accounted for from the fact that patients 
never have it the second time. 

The disease is divided into two varieties, the distinct and 
confluent, the latter is attended with more' danger. There 
are other distinctions, as the crystalline and the bloody. 

Symptoms. — Small-pox is so well known that a minute 
description is hardly necessary. The patient is usually dull, 
listless, and drowsy for a few days before the violent symptoms 
of the disease are developed; they are inclined to drink more 
than usual, have no appetite for food, and complain of wea- 
riness, flushes of heat and cold, pains in the back, irritability 
of the stomach, and sometimes obstinate vomiting ; sore throat 
is frequentl}^ present, and in children there is sometimes con- 
vulsions. The fever is of a remittent type, and subsides very 



192 SMALL POX. 

decidedly, on tlie appearance of the eruption. In the distinct 
variety this comes out about the third day. At first they 
resemble flea-bites, and are discovered on the face, arms, and 
breast, and soon spreads over the lower extremities. This is 
generally completed in about two days. 

N'ow commences the second stage^ when the eruption is fully 
out, and begins to change on the different parts of the body, in 
the order in which they came out. The pimples are conver- 
ted into vesicles on the second or third day of the eruption, 
and umhiliGated^ or depressed at the summit, on the fourth. 
From this time they gradually increase in size, the lymph 
becoming apparent till the vesicle has changed with a pustule. 
About the fifth day of the eruption, they lose their umbilica- 
ted appearance, and become convex, and distended at the top, 
and about the eighth day of the eruption, or the eleventh or 
twelfth from the commencement of the disease, they com- 
mence to turn of a brown color, sometimes burst, and then 
dry up ; about the twelfth day the crust Mis off, usually leav- 
ing a permanent pit or depression in the skin. 

The secondary fever comes on about the sixth or eighth 
day of the eruption, and tenth or twelfth of the disease ; it 
depends on the sympathy of the constitution with the local 
afiection, and is proportionably severe, according to the in- 
tensity of the latter. When the disease is matured, there is 
a peculiar, greasy odor given ofi^from the body of the patient, 
by which the disease is recognized; it is also characterized by 
a severe itching. In the conftuent kind, all the symptoms 
are more violent; the derangement of the stomach, and 
nervous complication are more intense, there being a great 
deal of vomiting, and either delirium or convulsions. These 
afiectious may cause the death of the patient before the ap- 
pearance of the eruption. The eruption, which is commonly 
slraultaneous^ and seldom successive, occurs about the second 
or third day, rarely on the fourth, and very seldom on the 
fifth. It is sometimes accompanied by a rash, resembling 
scarlatina, or erysipelas. The eruption usually begins to 
scab upon the face, about the tenth day of the disease. The 
skin is here exceedingly swollen ; the matter oozes out be- 



SMALL-POX. 193 

neath the crusts, and mingles with a bloody serum. The 
mucous membrane sufferB greatly, especially of the nose, eyes, 
and throat. 

Causes. — A specific contagion. All are liable to take it 
who are not previously protected. 

Treatment. — In mild cases, the only treatment necessary 
is refrigerant diaphoretics, and occasional laxatives. 

The diaphoretics may consist of cool, diluting drinks, 
lemonade, the solution of the citrate of potassium, neutral 
mixture, or from five to twenty grains of salt-petre, taken 
three or four times a day. The patient should be kept in a 
cool room, well ventilated. To keep the bowels open and act 
as a gentle laxative, a small dose of salts and senna, or mag- 
nesia and rhubarb in tea spoonful doses may be used. In 
severe cases, a large dose of salts and senna may be given, 
or a dose of calomel, from ^lyq to fifteen grains, may be taken, 
according to the size of the patient, and followed in eight or 
ten hours with a table spoonful of epsom salts. Occasional 
sponging with cool, or tepid water, will be beneficial and 
agreeable when the skin is hot and dry. 

It must be recollected that the disease can not be cut short, 
and that the patient must husband his strength. From one 
to one and a half grains of Dover's powder, may be given 
at night to combat restlessnesss. After the first stage, very 
little ia required ; if there is much nervous derangement, it 
may be corrected by giving a tea spoonful of Hofiinan's Ano- 
dyne, or sweet spirits of nitre, every three or four hours. In 
malignant cases, it is necessary to support the system under 
the abundant suppuration and vast irritation of the pustules. 
Opiates may be used at this period with advantage. They 
may be combined with calomel and ipecacuanha. To answer 
the same purpose as the above, a grain and a half of Dover's 
powder may be added to five or ten grains of calomel, and 
taken at night. When the pulse begins- to become weak, the 
tongue dry and dark, and the extremeties to show a want of 
due action, recourse must be had to stimulants and tonics, 



194 VACCINE. 

and Diitritons diet, to suit the wants of the system. Small 
doses of the sulphate of quinine may be given two or three 
times a day, or a compound infusion of Peruvian bark, the 
muriated tincture of iron, malt liquors, wine, wine whey, 
soft boiled eggs, animal broth, etc. 

It is very desirable to prevent the pock-marks or pits which 
are left by the disease ; this may be prevented by the opening 
each pock as soon as it becomes vesicular, with a lance, apply- 
ing a strong solution of nitrate of silver, or by inserting a 
stick of nitrate of silver, which is brought down to a point. 
To be eflectual, it should be applied early to each vesicle as 
they appear. 

Prevention of Small-pox. — There are two methods ; in- 
oculation and vaccination, the first is very effectual, because 
it actually imparts the disease in a mild form ; but in it there 
is some danger. The other mode, vaccination, is the one now 
universally practiced. 



SECTION IX. 
VACCINE. 



The vacine disease or coio-jjo?:. is a name given to a disease 
produced by inoculation, to protect the human system. The 
disease was first noticed in the cow, (whence its name.) in 
which animal it appears upon the teats, in small vesicles ; 
the matter taken from such vesicles is protective. 

From numerous experiments it appears that about one-half 
of those who are vaccinated are liable to a modified form of 
small-pox or varioloid, on exposure ; still, cases of varioloid 
are so rarely fatal, that it may be considered as almost a sure 
protective. Yaccination is usually practiced on the upper 
part of the arm, a lancet charged with lymph being thrust 
below the skin in several points ; vesicles mature on the ninth 
or tenth day. 



MEASLES. 195 

SECTION X. 
Y AmOLOID.— {Modified Smdl-pox.) 



This is a modified form of small-pox, occurring in those 
who are protected by vaccination. The treatment is the same 
as for very mild cases of small-pox. 



SECTION XI. 
CHICKEN'-POX.— ( Varicella.) 



This is a contagions fever ; the eruption is vesicular. 

Symptoms. — A slight fever is sometimes present, but gener- 
ally very slight, and continues from a few hours to two days, 
when it disappears on the occurrence of the eruption. This 
comes out in sinall, red spots, w^iich soon become vesicular. 

The eruption is frequently accompanied with a tingling, 
itching sensation, which causes the child to scratch and rub the 
vesicles, and rupture them. They attain maturity about the 
fifth day. One attack protects the patient from a second one. 

Treatment. — It is not dangerous, and is always so mild as 
to be quite insignificant, and requires but little treatment. A 
small dose of magnesia, or salts, may be 'given; cooling 
drinks, and light vegetable diet, is all that is required. It 
may be advisable, after the scabs fall ofi*, to bathe the child in 
warm water. 



SECTION XII. 
'MEK^'LE.^.—{Ruleola.) 



This is a contagious fever, accompanied with a peculiar 
eruption. Measels, as an epidemic, usually prevails in winter, 
but may occur in any season. 



196 . MEASLES. 

Syiivptoms. — It commences as most of the fevers — with 
slight chilliness, with flushes of heat, watery appearance of 
the eyes, running at the nose, frequent sneezing, hoarseness, 
and cough, with soreness of the throat. The eruption appears 
on the fourth day, in the form of small, red spots, slightly 
elevated above the skin. They appear first on the face, and 
extend to the rest of the body ; in the course of a day or two, 
nsually, the small spots are succeeded by larger ones. The 
red tint of tlie rash assumes its greatest intensity on the face 
about the fifth day. The rash is attended with itching when 
at its hight. 

When the eruption is fully developed, the frequency of the 
pulse, redness of the eyes, and thirst disappear, or are much 
alleviated; the nausea and vomiting also subside. On the 
third or fourth day the eruption begins to change to a paler 
hue, until it finally assumes a pale yellowish color. 

In Measles, tlie mucous membranes are very apt to be 
affected; generally membranes of the wind-pipe, or trachea, 
bronchia, throat, nostrils, and eyelids are principally affected ; 
but sometimes the membranes of the stomach and bowels, 
producing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or the membranes 
of the brain, causing convulsions, stupor, or coma. The 
chief danger of Measles is its complications with pneumonia. 

Causes. — A specific contagion. 

Treatment. — In mild cases, where the symptoms are slight, 
the treatment consists in keeping the patient in' a mild tem- 
perature, a spare diet, and the bowels open with a gentle 
laxative, and also giving diaphoretic medicines ; such as a 
solution of gum arable, flax-seed tea, an infusion of slippery 
elm, etc., to which may be added small quantities of antimo- 
nial wine, and if the skin is very hot the effervescing draught 
may be given. 

If there should be much inflammation of the mucous mem- 
branes, small doses of calomel may be administered, fifteen 
grains, iu five grain doses, eight hours between. Should 
symptoms of croup threaten, an emetic may be given, con- 



SCARLET FEVER. 197 

Bisting of ipecacuanha and tartrate of antimony, followed by 
a good dose of calomel, and afterwards wine of antimony, or 
ipecacuanha. 

Convulsions in children may be treated with the warm 
bath ; this, or the vapor-bath, is excellent in cases where the 
eruption is retarded, or has receded from the effects of cold. 
The principal object is to keep the eruption on the surface, 
and guard the mucous membranes from inflammation. 

The malignant form should be treated with stimulants, both 
internal and external. 



SECTION XIII. 
SCAELET YYNY^.— {Scarlatinal^ 



This is a contagious, eruptive fever, which particularly 
affects the mucous membranes of the throat. 

Symptoms. — The disease commences like other fevers, with 
the usual coldness and shivering, and flushes of heat, but 
without any violent sickness. About the second day the 
scarlet rash makes its appearance ; at first the body is covered 
with little points, which are soon followed by patches of a 
deep scarlet color, which become confluent, and terminates by 
the cuticle falling off, from the fifth to the ninth day. The 
fever is of various grades, sometimes so mild as scarcely to 
amount to disease, and at other times it puts on the most 
dangerous symptoms ; when these are putrid or malignant, it 
is always dangerous. 

Treatment. — Dr. Wood says that in a majority of cases the 
Scarlet Fever would end favorably without any treatment. 
In mild cases, all that is necessary is to keep the bowels open, 
give cooling drinks, regulate the diet, and see that the apart- 
ment is well ventilated and of a comfortable temperature. 
20 



198 ERYSIPELAS. 

At the commencement of the disease, a gentle emetic may 
be administered ; it has the most happy efiect in modifying 
the future course of the disease ; it will do no harm in mild 
cases, and may prevent violent symptoms which would pre- 
sent themselves, if it were not administered. Ipecacuanha 
alone, or a mixture of it and tartar emetic may be used. 

Unless the case should prove very mild it may be necessary 
to follow the emetic with a purgative dose of calomel, and if 
this does not operate in six or eight hours, a dose of castor 
oil, or magnesia may be given. Afterwards the bowels 
should be kept open with mild depletive cathartics, such as 
epsom salts, or, if there is nausea and vomiting, the seidlitz 
powder may be given. 

When the fever is fully formed the patient's body and limbs 
may be sponged with warm water, especially if the skin is 
hot and dry. The internal refrigerant treatment may now be 
adopted. The patient may be allowed to drink frequently, 
but moderately, of cold water, and hold ice in the mouth. 
Small doses of the neutral mixture may be given every two 
or three hours. 

ISTervous derangement maybe counteracted by sweet spirits 
of nitre, or camphor-water. TVe should always be on the 
watch for symptoms of debility, and meet them promptly 
with tonics and stimulants. Sulphate of quinine, the com- 
pound infusion of Peruvian bark, or mineral acids ; and, in 
cases of great debility, still stronger stimulants may be used, 
such as capsicum, carbonate of ammonium, oil of turpentine, 
and wine diluted with water. 



SECTION XIY. 
EEYSIPELAS.— (6*^. AntJionys Fire) 



This is an exanthematic fever, which affects the skin, or 
sub-cntaneoiTS cellular tissue, or both. Every part of the body 



ERYSIPELAS. 199 

is liable to be attacked, but the most frequent locality is the 
legs, face, and hands. 

It is caused by a peculiar poison, and is not contagious. 
Sometimes it is a local disease, and the immediate cause^ 
some local injury. 

Symptoms. — Erysipelas generally begins with the usual 
symptoms of fever. The patient also complains of languor, 
general uneasiness, aching, soreness, and stiffness in the 
joints ; frequently there is soreness of the throat, and swell- 
ing of the lymphatic glands in the vicinity of the part affect- 
ed. Generally about the second or third day of the fever, the 
phenomenon of the disease shows itself in the form of a 
small, reddish spot, somewhat elevated above the skin, pain- 
ful and tender to the touch. This may present itself on any 
portion of the body, but is much more frequent upon the face 
than elsewhere, especially about the nose, cheek, or the rim 
of the ear. The inflamed spot gradually spreads, exhibiting 
almost always, as it advances, an irregular, abrupt, and 
somewhat elevated margin, which shows a striking boundary 
between the sound and diseased skin. The diseased part is 
red and shining, hot to the hand, and generally harder than 
the sound part. The redness disappears under pressure, and 
quickly returns when the pressure is removed. There is 
usually much swelling, the skin is thick and hard. 

The face is often so much swollen that the features are 
obliterated. There is a burning, tensive, prickling pain, with 
much tenderness. Sometimes the inflammation gradually 
rises for three or four days, and then subsides, and terminates 
by the cuticle falling off. 

Treatment. — The treatment may be commenced with an 
emetiG to advantage ; and if the patient is plethoric it should 
be followed by a purgative dose of calomel, with refrigerant 
diaphoretics; for this purpose the neutral mixture may be 
used, or nitrate of potassium. At night, after depletion, 
the Dover's powder may be given. If the disease continue 



200 RHEUMATISM. 

beyond a week it may be proper to gently affect the system 
with mercury^ calomel combined with ipecacuanha and opium. 

Local treatment. — Some bland mucilage should be applied 
to the swelling, such as flax-seed, or slippery elm. When it 
is disposed to spread and invade important organs, it should 
be circumscribed with nitrate of silver, or tincture of iodine. 
When there is inflammation of the cellular tissue, and matter 
forms under the skin, free incisions should be made, and fol- 
lowed by poultices of mashed cranberries in their crude or 
raw state. 



SECTION XV. 
EHEUMATISM. 



There are four varieties of this disease, — the acute, sub- 
acute, chronic, and nervous. 

ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 

Symptoms. — The acute form of the disease usually attacks 
the large joints, sometimes a single joint is affected, and 
others follow in succession. The tissues and muscles may 
also be attacked. There is considerable fever, commencing 
with, or soon following the local inflammation. The pulse 
is full and strong, the tongue thickly furred ; tliere is exces- 
sive pain in the joints, which is much increased by pressure 
or movement. It is apt to change from one joint to another. 

Causes. — It is brought on by exposure to cold and damp, 
after free perspiration, especially in persons constitutionally 
predisposed. It is hereditary. It seldom occurs in old age, 
or in childhood. 

Treatment. — In acute Rheumatism, a large proportion of 
cases recover with very slight care ; and in many, medical 
treatment is of little further service than as obviating the 
tendency to internal inflammation. The further treatment 



RHEUMATISM. 201 

of the disease may commonly be intrusted to purgatives, 
calomel and opium, antimony, colcliicum, and the common 
saline diuretics. In many cases calomel and opium have 
been very successfully employed. 

SUB- ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 

This is very common ; it occurs in the muscles, but it may 
attack the joints, involving either the synovial membrane, or 
the surrounding ligaments. This is often attended with very 
severe pain, but much less swelling than in the acute form. 
When it attacks the muscles it causes pain on movement; 
when the mucous membrane of the bowels, it produces 
diarrhea ; in the bronchial tubes, symptoms of a bad cold, etc. 

It sometimes causes disease of the heart, it also attacks the 
diaphragm, or the womb, — in the latter case it causes dys- 
menorrhoea. It often resembles neuralgia, and may last 
many months. 

The treatment of the sub-acute form is about the same as 
the others, except that calomel is used sometimes to produce 
a constitutional impression. 

CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 

This variety may exist in the fibrous, synovial, or muscular 
tissue, but most frequently in the joints. There is no fever 
or heat, and but little redness. There is an obscure, dull pain, 
usually worse at night, and in cold, damp weather. The joints 
affected frequently become permanently stiffened. It may 
last for a lifetime, and it is frequently the result of the acute 
form, or produced by the same cause, partially modified by 
the constitution. It may be cured, or relieved for a time, but 
is very apt to return. It sometimes resists all treatment, and 
in the course of years wears the patient out with constant 
pain and suffer! ug. 

Treatment. — At first we should give a moderate purge of 
the compound extract of colocynth, and afterward keep the 
bowels open by giving a small tea spoonful of sulphur 



202 RHEUMATISM. 

three times a day ; the hot bath, especially the sulphur springs, 
are excellent. Dover's powder may be given at night, from 
one grain to a grain and a half of iodide of potassium may 
be taken three times a day, and if the rheumatism is in 
the joints, they should be painted every day with the tincture 
of iodine till the skin is rough and cracked, when it should be 
discontinued, and stramonium ointment applied. 

A long journey or a sea voyage often proves very beneficial. 

KEKVOUS RHEUMATISM. 

In this form of the disease it is altogether of a nervous 
character, and there is no inflammation. It is analagous to 
the nervous gout. 

Treatment. — In the acute variety, if the patient is plethoric 
or robust, and there is much inflammation, blood should be 
taken freely from the arm, or cups applied in the vicinity of 
the affected part. 

Dr. J. K. Mitchel who regards it as a disease of spinal 
origin, has had much success in the acute form, by the appli- 
cation of cups along the spine, in the neighborhood of the 
affected part. 

Active purgatives should be given at the commencement, 
salts and senna will answer ; it should be repeated every two 
or three days, or the bowels be kept steadily open by frequent 
doses of Rochelle salts. Fifteen drops of the wine of colchi- 
cum should be given three times a day. Refrigerant dia- 
phoretics should be administered every few hom'S during the 
day, and a full dose of Dover's powder given at bedtime. 

Treatment. — As regards the local treatment, the joints, 
or the parts affected may be rubbed with a liniment made as 
follows : 

'^. Spirits of turpentine, 2 ounces. 

Alcohol, 2 " 

Tincture of camphor, 1 " 

Oil of sassafras, h " 

Oil of cedar, i " 



GOUT 203 

Mix and shake well. After the application of the liniment, 
the part should be covered with flannel. A hop poultice is 
also recommended. 



SECTION XVI. 
GOTJT.— {Arthritis.) 



This is a constitutional disorder, much resembling rheuma- 
tism ; it is characterized by pain in the joints, and inflamma- 
tion, or irritation, in difierent parts of the body; it generally 
commences in the great toe, and then moves to the smaller 
joints. It occurs in adults, and in persons of active and strong 
constitutions. Sometimes it is preceded by a slight fever, but 
usually the patient is attacked in the night, without warning ; 
being seized with excruciating pain. There are usual signs 
of heat, swelling, redness and great tenderness. In about 
nine or ten hours all these symptoms subside, except the 
swelling, which presents an appearance very much like dropsy. 
The fever remits as the other symptoms subside, but the parox- 
ysms return the next night ; it continues this intermittent 
course for seven or eight days, when it passes away with 
profuse perspiration. After the paroxysm is over the patient 
feels greatly relieved and much better. 

But it will be highly necessary, after his recovery, for him to 
exercise great care for a long time, or it will return again ; and 
each recurrence will be at a less interval and more severely, 
till it really assumes the chronic form ; by which time the 
joints become contracted and stifi*. 

Persons subject to the Gout, who are attacked with inflam- 
mation in any part of the body, will derive great benefit from 
colchicum, when other ihedicines prove futile. 

Gouty persons often suffer dangerous disorders. They are 
sometimes attacked with shivering, cramp, or severe pain in 
the stomach, headache and delirium, or palpitation of the 
heart, etc.; and as the disease makes its appearance in the 



204 GOUT. 

foot, the patient is relieved of these symptoms, from which 
we may form a just conclusion that they originate H'om gouty 
poison. 

CHRONIC GOUT. 

This is usually the result of the acute. The attacks are 
frequent but without fever; parts affected are of a red or 
purplish color, with a dropsical appearance from the symno- 
vial effusions. It moves about from joint to joint. 

Cause. — This is very obscure. Too much rich, stimulatiug 
food, wine, etc., without sufficient exercise, may have much 
to do in predisposing a person to an attack of the Gout. 

Treatment. — We must bear in mind that the external 
symptoms are not all of the disorder, and therefore it should 
not be repelled. 

An active cathartic should be given, of calomel and senna, 
followed in a few hours with from twenty-five to thirty drops 
of colchicum, which may be administered every two or 
three hours, together with magnesia or epsom salts, in such 
doses as will keep the bowels freely open ; and a full dose of 
Dover's powder should be given at night. An occasional 
dose of blue mass and bicarbonate of soda will be beneficial. 

As regards local treatment, little should be done. The 
part should be bathed in warm water, and dressed with a 
mild camphor liniment and wrapped in flannel. It is dan- 
gerous to apply cold water or revulsives. 

Treatment during the interval should be such as to correct 
the habits of the patient so as to remove the tendency of the 
disease. The diet should be plain but not too abstemious ; 
vigorous exercise, especially on horseback. A pill contain- 
ing one grain of blue mass, one-half grain of exti-act of col- 
chicum, and three grains of the compound extract of colo- 
cynth, may be taken every other night. In chronic gout the 
digestive organs should be attended to, iodide of potassium, 
or iron may be given as an alterative. A long journey, or 
sea voyage, sometimes has the most happy and salutary effects. 



CHAPTER II. 
LOCAL DISEASES 



SECTION I. 

INFLAMMATIOlSr OF THE STOMATITIS, 



The inflammation of the mouth occm'S in several varieties, 
We shall speak first of the 

Common Diffused Sore Mouth. 

It is diffused over the whole surface, or occurs in patches. 
It is sometimes attended with submucous infiltration. It is 
characterized by a whitish, curdy matter. Both infants and 
adults are liable to this disease. 

Treatment. — A gentle purgative may be given, such as 
epsom salts. The local application consists in mild astrin- 
gents ; alum and borax, dissolved in sage tea, and sweetened 
with honey, is an excellent gargle ; the patch may be touched 
with a solution of the sulphate of zinc. 



SECTION II. 
TSR^'^^.— {Infantile Sore MoutJi.) 



This complaint exists chiefly in infants, although it some- 
times manifests itself in adults, in the last stage of diseases, 
when the patient has become much debilitated, as in cases of 
consumption, dysentery, etc. 

It first makes its appearance with an eruption of small, 
round, whitish spots, inside of the lips and at the corners of 

(205) 



20G SORE MOUTH OF NUESING VT M E N . 

the mouth, which shortly become confluent or run together, 
and form a whitish coating, spreading over the whole surface 
of the mouth ; it often extends to the throat and stomach, and 
very frequently the whole length of the alimentary canal, 
sometimes terminating in small ulcers. It may proceed from 
some constitutional derangement of the parents, improper 
diet, inattention to cleanliness, and other causes. 

Treatment. — Borax dissolved in sage tea, with the addition 
of a little honey, is considered to be one of the best remedies 
for this complaint, used as a gargle or wash. If the disease 
does not yield, then apply a solution of nitrate of silver. K 
the patient is constipated, make use of magnesia ; should 
diarrhea be present, give an infusion oi yarroio or sweet fern ; 
if this fails to produce the desired effect, administer small 
doses of Dover's powder ; and tonics in cases of debility. It 
would, however, be advisable in good constitutions to give 
at first a laxative, as magnesia, or castor oil. 



SECTION III. 
SOEE MOUTH OF XUESIXG WOMEX 



This is an ulcerative sore mouth peculiar to women while 
nursing, or in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The first 
manifestations of the disease is a loss of taste, and a painful, 
scalding sensation in the mouth ; its attacks upon the patient 
are frequently very sudden. Sometimes the ulcers commence 
with the disease ; at other times inflammation may exist for 
several days before they ma,ke their appearance. They are 
very tender, and the patient experiences much pain upon 
takins: food, or drink, unless it is of the blandest character. 
The disease is at first local, and unattended with fever, but, 
if not arrested, it soon extends to the smTOunding parts, cre- 
ating serious consequences. Sometimes it extends to the 
nose or throat, and frequently to the stomach and bowels, 



QUINSY. » 207 

producing diarrhea. The patient becomes very much debili- 
tated and emaciated. It sometimes terminates in death. 

Treatment. — This should be of such a character as will 
prove to be an alterative and purify the blood. An infusion 
of Peruvian bark and Virginia snake-root, or sulphate of qui- 
nine, carbonate of magnesia, or soda, may be given to correct 
the acidity. Iodide of potassium is highly recommended; 
also the compound mixture of iron. The local treatment 
should consist in the application of mild astringents, infusions, 
or a solution of the nitrate of silver, sulphate of zinc, or 
creosote water. 

If these remedies fail, the child should be taken from the 
breast, when a cure usually follows. The diet should be of 
milk or farinaceous substances. 



SECTION lY. 
Qi'^SV^^Y.— {Tonsillitis:) 



Quinsy commences with soreness of the throat. The ton- 
sils, which are situated at the root of the tongue on each side, 
are swollen and inflamed, and cause much pain in swallow- 
ing. It is usually caused from sudden exposure, or by taking 
cold while in a state of perspiration. Young persons are 
more subject to its attacks than those more advanced in life. 

Treatment. — ^When the first symptoms show themselves, a 
cloth wet with cold water and applied to the neck, and dry 
flannel wrapped around over it, often arrests, and removes 
the disease. The patient must be kept in doors, and out of 
the wind, and the flannels continued ; also tartrate of antimony 
and ipecacuanha will usually repel it in the forming stage. 

A gentle cathartic may be given to open the bowels; and 
a Dover's powder at night. 

The force of the circulation may be kept down by small 



208 INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 

doses of tartar emetic or refrigerant diaphoretics ; the tonsils 
may be touched with a strong solution of nitrate of silver or 
powdered alum. 



SECTION V. 
mFLAMMATION OF THE STOlSiACR.— (Gastritis.) 



The mucous membrane of the stomach is usually the seat 
of this disease ; though it sometimes extends to the other 
coats, and may even implicate the whole stomach. 

There are two forms of this disease, chronic and acute. 
Inflammation of the stomach is considered to be dangerous, 
and should therefore receive immediate attention. 

Sf/rnptoms. — This is usually attended with constipation, and 
great prostration of strength ; the skin hot and dry ; intense 
thirst, and a strong desire for cooling drinks, which immedi- 
ately produce vomiting when taken. There is acute pain 
over the stomach ; and it is aggravated by breathing, or pres- 
sure, or by coughing; it is also much aggravated by taking 
any kind of food, or drink ; especially if it be either too hot, 
or too cold. The pulse is small, quick, and intermittent; the 
tongue red at the tip and edges. In the last stage of the 
disease, hiccough, vomiting, and convulsions appear, which 
we may regard as the most dangerous symptoms. 

Causes. — This frequently results from taking immoderate 
drinks of cold water while the system is overheated, or from 
having taken into the stomach acids or poisons, or from 
external injuries. 

Treatment. — If it results from poison, an emetic should be 
given, or the appropriate antidotes ; as we can readily judge 
of the election from the circumstances of the case. Warm 
fomentations, such as wheat bran poultices, or a cloth wrung 
out of hot water and applied to the region of the stomach ; a 
little laudanum, or infusion of poppy leaves sprinkled on the 



SEA-SICKNESS. 209 

poultice will add mncli to its efficacy in allaying the pain ; or 
a mustard plaster may be applied, and permitted to remain long 
enough to produce irritation, without drawing a blister ; also 
sinapisms to the feet. It will not be proper to administer 
any medicine by the mouth except calomel. The most pru- 
dent form of internal medicine for this disease, is by way of 
injection. These may be made of warm water, or thin water- 
gruel ; and if the bowels are constipated, a little sweet oil and 
honey, or manna maybe added; these nourish the patient, 
who is often unable in this complaint to retain any food upon 
the stomach. For this cause they should not be neglected, as 
the patient's life may depend on them. 



SECTION yi. 
SEA-SICKlSrESS. 



Symptoms, — This disease is very sickening and distressing. 
It commences with a sensation of uneasiness, sinking, and 
great distress in the region of the stomach, which sometimes 
last upon the ocean, for several days, or even weeks. Vomit- 
ing, however, usually comes on soon after the first symp- 
toms, and is very distressingly accompanied ivith convulsive 
heavings of the stomach. The wretched .feelings of the 
patient are often so great as to render him quite indifferent 
to every thing that passes around him. It. is usually harm- 
less, but there are some few instances where it has proved 
fatal. 

Treatment. — Generally little can be done besides a palli» 
ative course of treatment. Persons can alleviate their dis- 
tress by fixing their attention on, or employing themselves 
with something calculated to interest the mind. The system 
should be kept free from bile, or any other irritating sub- 
stance ; the food should be taken in moderate quantities, and 
of such kind as is easily digested. Carbonic acid, acidulated 



210 SICK-HEADACHE. 

drinks, and opiates, may be used. For some constitutions 
colchicum proves of great service. In order to obviate the 
sickness, the patient should keep out in the open air as much 
as possible. 



SECTION yii. 
SICK-HEADACHE. 



Symptoras. — Sick -Headache is fluctuating or spasmodic; 
attended with faintness in the morning, and is to be con- 
sidered a symptom of gastric, uterine, or other disorders, 
and to be treated accordingly. There are usually some pre- 
monitory symptoms which indicate its approach, such as a 
confused sensation about the head, dullness, irritability, etc.; 
but sometimes the pain in the head comes on abruptly, slightly 
at first, but increases till it becomes intense, l^ot unfrequently 
the patient complains of pains in the back and loins, and a 
feeling of uneasiness. The foregoing symptoms, or some of 
them, accompanied with nausea and sickness of the stomach, 
increase till vomiting sets in. The matter ejected from the 
stomach is usually of a sour or bilious character. The vomit- 
ing often affords relief, and the patient may sleep, and awake 
in a few hours, usually feeling much better. 

Treatrnent. — If acidity of the stomach is suspected, a 
drachm or less of sulphate of magnesia may be given ; or if 
we do not want an action on the bowels, we may substitute a 
drachm of carbonate of soda. If we suspect bile to be the 
cause, some quick, gentle cathartic must be administered, as 
half an ounce of epsom salts, or salts and senna, or if the 
liver is affected, and dormant, a dose of calomel should be 
given. Kervous stimulants will sometimes remove it. A 
cup of strong tea produces the happiest effect in many cases 
where there is nervous disorder. 



INDIGESTION. 211 

SECTION VIII. 
mBlGE^TlOl^. —{Bijspejma.) 



This is a disorder of so frequent occurrence, that but little 
will be required by way of explanation, although it is a dis- 
ease which varies greatly in different cases. 

Digestion is one of the most important functions ppformed 
in the human system. Indigestion is a derangement, or de- 
pression of the functions of the stomach, and is sometimes 
attended with irritation, though rarely with inflammation. 

Symptoms. — It is characterized by a vague sense of uneasi- 
ness in the epigastrium; and is usually attended with an 
extended series of nervous symptoms, such as loss of appetite, 
flatulency, nausea, acrid and bitter eructations, heart-burn or 
water brash, and palpitations. There is a gnawing sensation 
in the stomach when empty, and it is frequently replaced, after 
eating, by a sense of fullness, or distention ; pain in the side, 
much constipation, languor, paleness of countenance, and 
depression of spirits. 

A part of the foregoing symptoms may be present in some 
cases, while others may be attended with sick-headache, vertigo, 
dimness of vision, etc. 

Causes. — This is sometimes occasioned by partaking of indi- 
gestible food ; eating rapidly, and without proper mastication ; 
immoderate repletion, and over distention of the stomach ; 
the excessive use of alcoholic liquors, opium, or other stimu- 
lants, particularly strong tea and cofiee ; also the use of 
tobacco ; grief and anxiety, intense, and protracted study ; 
much exposure to damp and cold air, and profuse evacuations. 

Treatment. — The treatment of this disease consists in 
restoring the tone of the stomach by tonics, exercise, a regu- 
lation of diet, and gentle laxatives, which usually are efiectual 
in removing the causes. The bowels should be kept regularly 
open ; small doses of blue mass are often useful ; also a com 



212 INFLAMMATION OF THE EOVTELS. 

bination of tonics, laxatives, and antacids, prove beneficial. 
Aloes, or rhubarb, are medicines well adapted to this dis- 
ease ; rhubarb is used in all cases ; aloes in all where 
piles and uterine irritation is not present ; magnesia should 
be used where there is acidity of the stomach ; tonics should 
be used with moderation ; nausea, and a sense of fullness or 
weight at the stomach, may be relieved by an emetic; flatu- 
lence by a decoction of catnip. Quassia, gentian, and 
columbo, make excellent bitters ; chamomile is recommended 
in mild cases ; wild cherry when there in an intermittent cir- 
culation, indicated by the occurrence of palpitations ; serpen- 
taria in cases of great prosti-ation of the system. Valerian 
should be combined with the bitters when the patient is suffer- 
ing fi'om nervous derangement. 

Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day upon an empty 
stomach. The patient should take exercise by riding as much 
of the time as possible ; this will often effect a cure when 
medicine fails. Eiding on horseback is very beneficial. 

Diet. — This should be light, easy of digestion, and nutri- 
tious ; and taken frequently, but in small quantities. Pastry 
and all kind of greasy food should be avoided. The patient 
should eat nothiDg but what agrees perfectly well with his 
stomach. 



SECTIOX IX. 
INFLAMMATIOX OF THE BOWELS.— (^/i^m^/*.) 



This disease is very similar, usually proceeds from the same 
sources, and requires nearly the same manner of treatment 
as for infiammation of the stomach. 

CoMses. — It may be occasioned by worms, costiveness, eat- 
ing large quantities of nuts, or unripe fruits, drinking hard 
cider, beer, malt liquors, etc. 

The inflammation of the intestines is denominated the 
iliac passion^ enteritis^ etc., according to the parts affected. 



DIAREHEA. 213 

It 13 exceediDgly dangerous, and speedy in its progress. 
Doubtless it may be considered one of the most dangerous 
diseases that mankind is liable to. It is most apt to occur at 
the meridian, or advanced stage of life. When the pain and 
inflammation continues to increase with severity, it often 
terminates in gangrene, sometimes in the space of a few 
hours from its commencement ; the indications are an entire 
absence of pain, shrinking of the features, sinking of the 
pulse, and distention of the belly. TVhen terminating favora- 
bly, it greatly abates, and passes off by resolution. 



SECTION X. 
DIARKHEA. 



This may usually be regarded a morbid state of the func- 
tions, which arises from various causes. It should therefore 
never be checked, unless we find it to reduce and debilitate 
the patient from too long continuance, for the sudden arrest 
of this complaint many times produce evil consequences, and 
often fatal results. A looseness which is periodical should 
never be checked. It is always regarded as an effort of 
nature to carry off some offending matter, which, if retained 
in the body, may terminate seriously. Children are very 
subject to this complaint, more especially while teething. It 
seldom proves injurious to them, but often such children cut 
their teeth much easier. 

Symjptoms. — Diarrhea is indicated by frequent loose or liquid 
evacuations from the bowels, without tenesmus or fever. 
The discharges are preceded by rumbling, distention, and 
hardness of the bowels ; griping pains, eructations, nausea, etc. 
The complaint is often attended with loss of appetite, and a 
sinking or general sense of exhaustion. Bilious DdarrJiea 
is manifested by slimy, watery, greenish, or yellowish colored 
evacuations. 
21 



214 DYSENTERY. 

Causes. — This sometimes proceeds from hepatic deraDge* 
ment, acrid, or poisonous substances taken into the stomach, 
violent emotions, or exercise of the mind, obstructed perspi- 
ration, worms, drinking bad water, or excessive draughts of 
cold water; excess of fruit, or when in an unripe state, or 
from eating spoiled provisions. It is a frequent attendant of 
fever, phthisic, etc. 

Treatment. — The treatment in this complaint should be 
slow, or of a mild character ; yet we may be governed by 
circumstances. 

When diarrhea is the result of improper food, and medi- 
cine is required, a dose of rhubarb and magnesia, oi castor oil 
may be given, succeeded by chalk mixture. The patient 
Bhonld be kept warm in all cases. In the acute and chronic 
forms of this complaint, the treatment may be similar to that 
of dysentery. In the chronic form a milk diet, when boiled, 
or rice will be found very beneficial to the patient if it agrees 
with him. 



SECTION XI. 

DYSEXTERY.— (^Zoo^y Flux) 

This disease prevails mostly in the latter part of summer 
and autumn, though it may take place at any time during 
the year. It usually prevails to a great extent in marsh- 
miasmatic sections, and is considered to be epidemic. Persons 
are most liable to its attacks who reside where the air is bad 
or confined. Hence it often proves fatal in hospitals, on ship 
board, and in similar places, or where many are crowded 
together. It is very frequently communicated by infection. 
This should lead us to be very cautious in being near per- 
sons sufiering with the disease. We should keep camphor 
about us, or vinegar, and often smell of it; the room, likewise, 
should be sprinkled often with vinegar ; rub the patient's face 
aid hands, and permit him often to smell of it. 



DYSENTERF. 215 

Cleanliness is of the greatest importance in tins disease, as 
it contributes largely to the recovery of the patient, and no 
less to the safety of such as attend him. We find in all con- 
tagious diseases the danger is increased and the infection 
spread by the neglect of cleanliness ; perhaps in no one dis- 
ease more than in this. Every thing about the patient should 
be frequently changed. The excrements should not be per- 
mitted to remain in his chamber, but removed immediately 
and buried under ground ; even the smell of these has been 
known to communicate disease. 

Pure fresh air should be permitted to pass through the 
room, but the patient should be placed where the wind may 
not pass directly over him. 

Sijmjpioms, — This complaint commences somewhat like 
other fevers, with chilliness and fever; loss of appetite and 
strength ; intense thirst ; sometimes nausea, or an inclination 
to vomit, or costiveness, and it is soon succeeded by loose 
evacuations, attended with griping, and violent pain in the 
bowels. The discharges are usually at jBrst frothy, or mucus ; 
the mucus mingled with blood ; and at last pure blood, attend- 
ed with tenesmus, or a constant straining and desire to evacu- 
ate the bowels. Persons in the last stages of the disorder are 
sometimes troubled with flatulency. 

We may readily discern Dysentery from diarrhea, by the 
sharp pain in the bowels, and evacuations of blood. When 
vomiting and hiccough are present, it is an indication of 
inflammation of the stomach. When the evacuations are 
very davTc^ or green, or have an exceeding ofiensive odor, the 
danger is very great, as it indicates the disease to be of the 
putrid character. 

Causes. — From taking cold, and obstructed perspiration: 
drastic purges ; worms ; acrid, indigestible food ; the effluvium 
from putrid animal substances, and vegetable miasmata. 

Treatment. — First give an emetic of ipecacuanha. From 
one scrapie to half a drachm is usually sufficient for an adult; 
let him drink warm, weak chamomile, or dog fennel tea. In 



216 DYSENTERY. 

about three hours after the operatioD of the emetic is over, 
give a dose of rhubarb, or, from an ounce to an ounce and a 
half of epsom salts. After this operation is over, give an 
infusion of black or wild cherries in Xew England rum. 

Dose. — A table spoonful every hour through the day ; in 
the intervening time give a tea made of mallows. Mallows 
alone, boiled in milk, has cured, in many instances, wuthout 
the aid of any other medicine. Let this be the patient's bev- 
erage. Sometimes injections are found very profitable, made 
of the mallows and blackberry roots. The patient should 
avoid all cold drinks, and the less he drinks the better, as 
large quantities of drinks feed the disease. 

If these remedies should not prove suflScient, give for a 
cathartic a dose of blue mass. If the disease should not 
begin to yield in about a week, the mercurials may be more 
freely administered, so as to affect the mouth. 

Two or three grains of ipecacuanha, mixed with a table 
spoonful of the syrup of poppies, and taken three times a 
day, for some time, usually effects a cure. Flannel worn 
next to the skin proves very effectual in this disorder, as it 
promotes perspiration without overheating the body; great 
caution, however, should be exercised in leaving it off. For 
whatever purpose this part of dress is worn, it should never 
be left off but in a warm season. Also in this disease the 
greatest attention must be paid to the patient's diet. Flesh,^ 
fish, and every thing that has a tendency to turn putrid or 
rancid on the stomach must be avoided. Sound ripe apples 
boiled in milk and eaten by the patient is calculated to coun- 
teract the tendency to putrefaction, from whence the most 
dangerous kind of Dysentery proceeds. The chronic forms of 
this complaint may be treated nearly after the same manner. 
Tonics are very useful when it assumes an asthenic form ; of 
these may be given cinchona and the infusion of serpentaria, 
colomba or simarouba barks. The bowels should be kept 
regularly open. A very suitable drink in this disorder is 
whey. Dysentery has often been cured by this alone. A 
diet of sound ripe fruits and boiled milk has cured this dis- 
order after medicines have failed. 



CONSTIPATION. 217 

SECTION XII. 
FLATULENCE. 



By thiG is understood a morbid collection of gas in the 
stomach and bowels. Flatulency is often a symptom of other 
diseases, especially indigestion, colic, cholera, hysteria, and 
hypochondriasis. 

Treatment. — For the cure of this disease, carminatives, 
aperients, and tonics are resorted to, as nutmegs, cardamoms, 
pimenta, pepper, capsicum, camphor, peppermint, cinnamon, 
rosemary, lavender, pennyroyal, etc. 

The aromatic essential oils are powerful carminatives. If 
these do not succeed, etherial preparations and warm tonics 
should be given, and the strictest attention paid to the diet, 
in which all oleraceous vegetables, and all kinds of peas, 
beans, and flatulent fruits, should be avoided ; also, large 
draughts of fluids. The diet should consist of plain animal 
food. 



SECTION XIII. 
COXSTIPATION".— (<7^5■^^^^5?^^5s..) 



Constipation is usually dependent upon some other derange- 
ment of the organism, and on this account it is frequently 
alluded to as a symptom of other derangements. Costiveness 
is not always a disease, for many persons in robust health are 
not accustomed to have their bowels emptied oftener than 
twice a week. 

The sluggishness or torpitude of the bowels may be pro- 
duced by various causes: sometimes the food is not suf- 
ficiently stimulating, sometimes there is a deficiency, or de- 
praved condition of the bile, which is a natural stimulus to 
the bowels. In other instances there is a defect of tone in 



218 CHOLERA MORBUS. 

the muscular fibres of the bowels themselves, so that they are 
not sufficiently affected by natural and healthy stimuli. 

Treatment. — The treatment of Constipation consists in 
adopting a diet free from all astringents, using corn or rye 
bread, and regulating the exercise. In most cases, laxative 
articles of diet, such as stewed fruits, and the frequent use of 
gentle laxatives, will be found more effectual than the stronger 
cathartics. Where costiveness occurs in persons of a ple- 
thoric habit, the moderate use of venesection will often prove 
the most effectual laxative. In all cases, emollient and laxa- 
tive enematas are useful auxiliaries, and in many cases are 
alone sufficient to restore the healthy action of the bowels. 
In obstinate cases, the more powerful cathartics, as the croton 
oil and elaterium, must be had recourse to, conjoined with 
stimulating clysters. It will be preferable, however, to try a 
number of different cathartics in succession, -than to persevere 
in violent doses of any one of them ; for, owing to peculiarity 
of constitution, it sometimes happens that obstipation which 
has resisted the most drastic medicine, will yield readily to a 
few grains of aloes, a moderate quantity of epsom salts largely 
diluted, or something equally simple. 



SECTION XIV. 
CHOLERA MORBUS. 



Synvptoms. — This complaint is usually preceded by cardial- 
gia or heart-burn, acrid eructations, and flatulencies ; with 
pain in the stomach and intestines. These are succeeded by 
excessive vomiting and purging of bilious, green, or dark 
colored matter, with distention of the stomach and acute 
griping pains. There is likewise a very quick pulse ; intense 
thirst, and a seated pain about the region of the navel ; urine 
high-colored, scanty, or suppressed. The severe forms of the 
disease are sometimes attended with cramps and coldness of 



CHOLERA MORBUS. 219 

the extremities. At first the contents of the stomach is ejected, 
and afterwards bile. When faintings, convulsions, and vio- 
lent hiccoughing are present, thej indicate the approach of 
death. Its attacks are sudden, and most usual in the latter 
part of summer and autumn. Perhaps there is no disease 
that destroys life more speedily than this, when it does not 
receive prompt and due treatment. 

Causes. — It is caused by repletion or overloading the 
stomach ; excess of cold drinks ; eating cucumbers, or unripe 
fruits ; and indulging in too great a variety of luxuries at 
once ; extreme fatigue, and sudden changes of temperature. 

« 

Treatment. — At the commencement of the disease, the 
efforts of nature to expel the offending cause should be assist- 
ed, by encouraging the vomiting and purging. For this pur- 
pose the patient should drink freely of diluting liquors, as 
warm water, thin water gruel, or very thin, weak chicken 
broth. This should not only be drank freely to induce vom- 
iting, but an injection of it given every hour and a quarter, 
in order to promote the purging. After these evacuations 
have been continued for some time, an infusion of black cher- 
ries in new rum or brandy may be taken ; give at first a tea 
spoonful of the liquor every five minutes ; as soon as the 
patient is able to retain this upon his stomach, a table spoon- 
ful may be given every ten minutes. My own life was saved 
by the above treatment, after I had become greatly debilitated, 
and all other means had proved ineffectual. I did, however, 
take no drink for the space of eight hours, while taking the 
cherry liquor. If this should not stop the vomiting, in about 
an hour and a half from the time the patient begins to take it, 
a table spoonful of the saline mixture, with eight drops of 
laudanum, may be administered every three quarters of an 
hour till it ceases. The purging and vomiting, however, 
should never be stopped too suddenly. As long as these dis- 
charges do not debilitate the patient, they are healthful, and 
may be permitted to continue, or rather ought to be promoted. 
But w^hen the patient is weakened by the evacuations, which 



220 worms'. 

may be known by the sinking of the pulse, etc. ; and the vom 
iting can not be arrested, recourse must immediately be had 
to opiates, as prescribed above ; in addition to these means, 
opium may be employed in the form of an external embroca- 
tion. Take tincture of opium one ounce, spirit of camphor 
half ounce, when mixed together, rub frequently over the 
region of the stomach. The application of a blister to the 
stomach will sometimes arrest the vomiting. After the vio- 
lence of the disease is over, to prevent a relapse, it will be 
necessary for some time, perhaps a week, to continue the use 
of the infusion of wild cherries in rum. As the stomach and 
intestines of the patient are usually much debilitated, the 
food should be nourishing, but taken in small quantities, and 
he should use moderate exercise. Sometimes, where the sur- 
face of the body becomes extensively cold, and symptoms of 
exhaustion appear, it will be necessary to administer stimu- 
lants, as camphor, ammonia, etc. 



SECTION xy. 

WOEMS. — {Invermiiiation.) 



These are chiefly of three kinds, viz.: the icenia^ or tape- 
worm ; the teres^ or round and long worm ; and the ascaricles, 
or round and short worm. There are many other kinds 
found in the human body, but they proceed, in a great meas- 
ure, from similar causes, have nearly the same symptoms, 
and require almost the same method of treatment as those 
already mentioned. 

The existence of the long round worm is indicated by sick- 
ness at the stomach, vomiting, inordinate appetite, picking 
the nose, distention of the bowels, and sometimes colic. 

This worm is also indicated by convulsions, epileptic fits, 
slimy stools, a dry cough, and sometimes a deprivation ot 
speech. The tape- worm is white, very long, and full of joints. 
It is generally bred either in the stomach or small intestines. 



TV K M S . 221 

The ronnd and long worm is likeTrise bred in the small 
bowels, and sometimes in the stomach. The round and short 
worms usually lodge in the rectum^ or lower bowel, and 
sometimes occasion a disagreeable itching about the anus. 
The effects of the tape-worm are nearly the same with those 
of the long and round, but rather more violent. The short 
round worms, called ascarides^ besides an itching of the anus^ 
cause swoonings, and tenesmus, or an inclination to go to 
stool. Small bodies in the excrements resembling melon or 
cucumber seeds are symptoms of the tape-worm. 

Causes. — "Worms may proceed from various causes ; but 
they are seldom found except in weak and relaxed stomachs, 
where the digestion is bad. Sedentary persons are more 
liable to them than the active and laborious. Those who eat 
large quantities of unripe fruit, etc., are generally subject to 
worms. Worms frequently arise, likewise, from a peculiar 
constitutional taint. 

Treatment. — The most proper medicines for the expulsion 
of worms are strong pui'gatives, and to prevent their breed- 
ing, stomachic bitters, with now and then a glass of good 
wine. The best purge for an adult is jalap and calomel. 

Dose. — From twenty to thirty grains of the former, with five 
or seven of the latter, mixed in sirup, may be taken early in 
the morning. The dose may be repeated once or twice a 
week, for a fortnight or three weeks. On the intermediate 
days the patient may take a drachm of the filings of tin, 
two or three times a day, mixed with sirup, honey or molasses. 

Those who do not choose to take calomel may make use of 
the bitter purgatives ; as aloes, tincture of senna, and rhubarb, 
etc. Oily medicines are sometimes found beneficial for ex- 
pelling worms. 

]Many practitioners administer flower of sulphur in very 
large doses, mixed with honey or molasses, which often 
proves very successful for the expulsion of worms. Common 
salt and water may be taken in the morning, and the flower of 
eulphur may be taken over night ; after which may be taken 



222 SCROFULA. 

an infusion of tansy, water trefoil, chamomile flowers, tops 
of wormwood, or the lesser centaury. 

The above directions are intended for adults, but for chil- 
dren the medicines must be more agreeable, and in smaller 
doses. For a child five years old, seven grains of rhubarb, 
six of jalap, and two of calomel, may be mixed in a spoonful 
of sirup or honey, and given in the morning. This dose may 
be repeated twice a week for three or four weeks. The dose 
must be increased or diminished according to the age of the 
patient. 

Some of the most certain remedies for the expulsion of 
worms, are pink-root, spirits of turpentine, worm seed, etc. 
Pink-root may be prepared by boiling an ounce of the root in 
a pint of water, down to half a pint. This quantity is to be 
drank in the course of three or four hours, by a child from 
six to ten years old. Half an ounce of senna may frequently 
be added to the root, at the time of boiling, with advantage. 
The decoction should always be sweetened with manna or 
sugar. If the bowels are not moved in a short time after the 
whole of the decoction is taken, an active dose of oil and tur- 
pentine should be administered. Half an ounce of castor oil 
to two drachms of turpentine is a proper dose. 

Take of saffron, aloes, and myrrh, one ounce each; steep 
the myrrh four days in half a pint of rum or brandy, then add 
the saffron and aloes. 

Dose. — Give a tea spoonful twice a month to children, 
and they will never be troubled with worms. 



SECTION XVI. 
SCROFULA.— (X^;^ ^^^5 E}:il) 



Scrofula is a disease very difficult to define: it consists in 
hard, indolent tumors of the conglobate glands in various 
parts of the body, but particularly in the neck, behind the 
ears, and under the chin, which, after a time, suppurate and 



SCROFULA. 223 

degenerate into ulcers, from which, instead of pus, a white, 
curdled matter, somewhat resembling the coagulum of milk, 
is discharged. It is most common between the third and 
seventh year of childhood, but it may arise at any period 
between this and the age of puberty. 

Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by certain external 
peculiarities of appearance. 

The majority of scrofulous persons have a fair, soft skin, 
and rosy complexion, large blue eyes, and a tumid upper lip ; 
their constitution is languid and yet irritable ; the muscles 
are slender and deficient in tone; but those of a different 
character are not exempt from it. Scrofulous individuals who 
are characterized by a dark, sallow complexion, black hair, 
a harsh skin, a torpid constitution, suffer much, and in such 
persons it is very inveterate. It is, for the most part, heredi- 
tary. 

Treatment. — In conducting the treatment of this disease, 
it must always be borne in mind, that it is one of debility, so 
that our chief dependence must be on a tonic and stimulating 
plan, so modified as to meet the patient's age, temperament, 
and manner of life. It is of the greatest importance to select 
a dry, equable, and salubrious situation for the residence of 
the patient. The diet should be as invigorating as the 
stomach will bear, and consist of a free use of tender beef 
and mutton, dilute wine, and good porter. Tonio and stimu- 
lant medicines are to be exhibited regularly, either alone, or 
in combination with alkalies, or acids, or some of the anti- 
scrofulous remedies, among which, the principal are the 
preparations of iodine, cinchona, chalybeates, the alkalies, 
with decoctions of yellow dock and sarsaparilla. Ilyoscyamus 
and conium are preferable to opium where there is much 
pain ; they are also applied in poultices. A mixture of equal 
parts brandy and salt, applied externally, is very good ; take 
also two table spoonsful of the same, morning and evening; 
or, bathe daily in sea water, and drink small quantities of 
the same. 



224 FELON, OR WHITLOW. 

SECTION XYII. 
FELOX, OR WHITLOW.— (Pa?iar^5 ParonycJda) 



There are three kinds of whitlow. 1st. — The roild, which 
is seated around the nail. 2d. — That seated under the skin 
and fascia of the inside of the finger ; and 3d. — That which 
is situated under the membrane covering the bone. The last 
is the most distressing, and often, when not attended to in 
time, causing the loss and destruction of the bone. 

Treatment. — The application of a plaster composed of un- 
slaked lime and soft soap, is a sovereign remedy in either of 
the above species of the complaint. This should be kept on 
from ten minutes, to one, two or three hours. After this is 
removed, the sore, by the frequent application of a warm 
bread and milk poultice, will soon heal. If proud flesh be 
present, a little pulverized burnt alum should be strewed upon 
the poultice. If the plaster is applied previous to suppura- 
tion taking place, it will arrest the disease at once. If mat- 
ter is formed, it will be discharged with comparatively little 
pain. 



SECTION XVIII 
POISOXS. 



That which, when applied externally, or taken into the 
human body, uniformly eflects such a derangement in the ani- 
mal economy as to produce disease, may be defined a poison. 
There are four kinds of poisons, viz: mineral, vegetable, 
aerial, and animal. 

Treatment. — In cases of poisoning by arsenic^ active emet- 
ics should be administered, mucilaginous and warm drinks — 
whites of eggs are to be freely administered, to enable the 



POISONS. 225 

operator to collect all the particles in the stomach ; and, as 
soon as it can be prepared, a table spoonful of fresh Jiydrated 
sesquioxide of iron is to be given every five minutes until 
relief is obtained. If the means do not exist at hand for the 
preparation of this antidote, lime-water is the next best 
means within reach. The after treatment is chiefly counter- 
irritant and demulcent, but must be directed according to the 
urgent symptoms, for the poison may act almost entirely on 
the heart and nervous system, prostrating their action. Clys- 
ters and suitable means are to be taken to evacuate the whole 
alimentary canal. 

Bismuth. — The antidote for this, is milk and mucilaginous 
diluents, which should be given along with purgatives. 

Preparations of Lead. — The antidote to these is epsom or 
Glauber's salts, taken in hard water. 

Corrosive Sublimate. — Its antidote is albumen : as soon, 
therefore, as it is known to have been swallowed, the white 
of eggs should be given, mixed with water, every two or three 
minutes. If eggs can not be obtained, large draughts of 
milk may be useful as a substitute. Inflammation is to be 
combated by the ordinary means, as also the ptyalism occa- 
sioned by this in common with the other preparations of 
mercury. 

Nitrate of Silver. — A table spoonful of common salt may be 
dissolved in a pint of water, and a wine glassful -given every 
five minutes. This may be followed by mucilaginous drinks. 

Preparations of Tin. — For this, milk is as good an anti- 
dote as any. 

The Mineral Acids. — When the sulphuric, nitric, or mu- 
riatic has been swallowed, calcined magnesia, mixed with 
water, should be immediately administered ; or, if this be not 
at hand, chalk or soap, which can always be procured in one 
form or another, may be substituted for it. 

Oxalic Acid. — The antidote for this is calcined magnesia 
or chalk. 



226 POISONS, 

Alkalies and tlieir Carbonates. — These are best neutral- 
ized bj vinegar. 

Nitre. — Mucilaginous diluents an-d opium are most service- 
able; bleeding may also be required. 

Lime. — For this also, the best antidote is vinegar. 

2[uriate of Ammonia. — Yomiting is to be encouraged by 
large draughts of water, and inflammatory or nervous symp- 
toms to be treated in the ordinary way. 

Pliospliorus. — No antidote is known for this. Large 
draughts of water or demulcents are naturally indicated, and 
emetics. 

Alcoliol. — The effects of excessive intoxication from alco- 
holic liquors are best counteracted by the immediate use of a 
strong emetic, as the sulphate of zinc or copper, and the stom- 
ach pump. Yomiting should be encouraged by draughts of 
warm water, and the intestines stimulated by saline enemata. 
Should there appear to be great determination of blood to the 
head, venesection, and the application of cold water to the 
head, are indicated. 

Poison of FisTi. — Yomiting and purging, and diluents, are 
indicated to get rid of the offending matter, and weak alkaline 
solutions have been thought useful. Spasm is to be allayed 
by opium, and inflammation by the ordinary means. 

CantJiarides. — Sweet oil should be given in large quantity 
to excite vomiting, and Unseed tea or milk as a demulcent. 
Emollient enemata are to be administered. Inflammation of 
the intestinal canal or urinary passages is to be treated on 
ordinary principles. 

Venomous Insects. — Hartshorn and oil may be gently 
rubbed on the injured part ; and if much inflammation ensue, 
an emollient poultice may be applied. 

Bite of a Rattle-snake. — Half a wine glass of olive oil, 
taken internally, is said to be a certain cure for the bite of a 



COLIC. 227 

rattle-snake and other poisonous reptiles. A little should 
also be applied to the wound. 

Another remedy is tlie following. — The root and branches 
Qi plantain and hoarhound^ bruised in a mortar, and the 
juice expressed ; of which give a table spoonful as soon as 
possible. In an hour if necessary give another spoonful. 
Apply to the wound a leaf of tobacco moistened in rum. 
This remedy was discovered by a negro, for which his free- 
dom was purchased, and an annuity settled upon him by the 
General Assembly of Carolina. 



SECTION XIX. 
QOlAQ.—{Enteralgia.) 



Colics are variously denominated according to their causes, 
as i\iQ flatulent^ the hilious^ the liysteric^ and the painter^ s or 
lead colic ; and each require a peculiar mode of treatment. 

Causes. — From indigestion, costiveness ; and an injudicious 
use of unripe fruits ; excessive use of alcohol ; from wetting 
the feet, and taking cold, or an obstructed perspiration, etc. 

Symptoms. — Colics are usually attended with costiveness, 
or vomiting and diarrhea ; acute pain of the bowels, more 
especially about the region of the navel. Sometimes the 
bowels are distended, at other times the reverse. It usually 
comes on suddenly. The patient experiences an internal 
rumbling, and is usually relieved by a discharge of flatus or 
wind. 

FLATULENT OR WIND COLIC. 

This may be distinguished from the enteritis by the absence 
of fever. The pain wanders about from one part of the abdo- 
men to another till it finds vent, and is seldom confined to 
any particular part. 



228 COLIC. 

WheD this disorder proceeds frora windy liquor, green fruit, 
or similar things, the best medicine is an infusion of hot 
2)ej)per^ or dog-fennel tea, or the essence of horsemint^ pejyper- 
rnint^ or spearmint on sugar. 

Dose. — From twenty-five to sixty drops. Also, apply hot 
bricks to the feet. 

A mustard poultice may be applied over the region of the 
stomach, and permitted to remain from a quarter to half an 
hour, where the case proves more severe, and give a dose of 
castor oil at the same time ; or, give a dram of brandy, gin, 
or any good liquor. This is the only kind of Colic that will 
admit of the use of ardent spirits, or any thing of a stimulat- 
ing nature. Xor indeed are they to be used here unless at 
the beginning, before any symptoms of inflammation make 
their appearance. 

It is considered that a Colic occasioned by wind or flatulent 
food, might always be cured by spirits and warm liquors, if 
they are taken immediately upon the first symptoms of un- 
easiness ; but when the pain has continued for a considerable 
time, and there is reason to fear an inflammation of the 
bowels is already begun, all hot things are to be avoided as 
poison, and the patient is to be treated in the same manner as 
for the inflammation of the intestines. Several kinds of food, 
as honey, eggs, etc., occasion colics in some particular con- 
stitutions. 

We usually find the best method of cure for these is to 
drink freely of diluting liquors, as water gruel and what is 
called toast-bread-cofiee or tea, etc. Colics which are occa- 
sioned by excess and indigestion, usually cure themselves, by 
occasioning vomiting and purging. These discharges are by 
no means to be stopped, but promoted, by drinking freely of 
warm water, or weak posset. TThen their violence is over, 
the patient may take a dose of magnesia or any gentle cathar- 
tic to carry ofl' the dregs of his debauch. The flatulent Colics, 
which prevail so much among country people, might generally 
be prevented were they careful to change their clothes when 
they get wet. They ought likewise to take a glass of good 



COLIC. 229 

v^SLvm peppermint water, after eating any kind of green trash, 
or- take a dram of warm spirituous liquor. We do not 
design to recommend the practice of using spirits unless for 
medicinal purposes. 

BILIOUS COLIC. 

The Bilious Colic is usually preceded by a bitter taste in 
the mouth, yellowish coated tongue, which is succeeded by 
excruciating pain about the navel. Tlie patient is usually 
costive, and complains of great thirst and uneasiness. After 
suffering awhile from the pain, he vomits a bitter, yellow 
colored bile, which being discharged, appears to afford some 
relief, but is quickly followed by the same violent pain as 
before. As the complaint advances, the propensity to vomit 
sometimes increases so as to become .almost continual, the 
bowels are freely moved with bilious stools, and the proper 
motion of the intestines is so far perverted, that there are all 
the symptoms of impending enteritis. Clear whey or gruel, 
sharpened with juice of lemon, or cream of tartar, must be 
drank freely. Weak chicken broth, with a little manna dis- 
solved in it, or a slight decoction of tamarinds, are likewise 
very proper, or any other thin, acid, opening liquor. In 
addition to this, it will be necessary to foment the abdomen 
with cloths dipped in the warm infusion of poppy flowers in 
rum, and if this should not produce the desired effect, the 
patient must be immersed up to the breast in warm water. 

In Bilious Colic, the vomiting is often very difficult to 
restrain. When this is the case, the patient may drink a 
decoction of toasted' bread, or an infusion of spearmint in 
boiling water. Should these not succeed, the saline mixture, 
with a few drops of laudanum, may be given, and repeated 
according to the urgency of the symptoms ; injections, with a 
proper quantity of liquid laudanum in them, may likewise be 
frequently administered. 

HYSTERIC COLIC. 

The Hysteric Colic bears a great resemblance to the bilious. 
It is characterized by a great depression of the spirits, with 

22 



23C COLIC. 

dejection of mind and difficulty of breathing. It is accom- 
panied with sharp, lancinating pains about the region of the 
Btomach, vomiting, etc. 

What tlie patient ejects in this case is usually of a greenish 
color. It is sometimes attended with jaundice, but this gen- 
erally passes off of its own accord in a few days. 

In this colic, all evacuations, as bleeding, purging, vomit- 
ing, etc., do injury. Every thing that debilitates the patient, 
or sinks the spirits, is to be avoided. If, however, the vom- 
iting should prove violent, lukewarm water or weak wine 
whey may be drank to cleanse the stomach. Afterwards the 
patient may take from ten to thirty drops of laudanum in a 
glass of cinnamon water. This may be repeated every eleven 
or thirteen hours till the symptoms subside. The patient may 
likewise take five or six of the asafoetida pills every seven 
hours, and drink a cup of pennyroyal tea after them. 

If asafoetida should prove disagreeable, (which is some- 
times the case,) from thirty-five to forty -five drops of the 
'balsam of Peru, dropped upon loaf-sugar, may be taken as 
a substitute. 



This is a disease very common among painters, miners, 
manufacturers of lead, glaziers, plumbers, etc. 

No disease of the bowels is attended with more acute or 
lancinating pain than this; nor is it soon at an end. It 
sometimes continues eight or nine days with very little inter- 
mission, the bowels all the while continuing bound in spite 
of medicine, yet at length yields and the patient recovers. 
It usually, however, leaves the patient weak, a;id often termi- 
nates in palsy. 

The general treatment of this disease is so nearly the same 
with that of inflammation of the bowels, that we may pass 
over it. 

An excellent mode of treatment, however, consists in the 
free use of purgatives with opiates, such as calomel and 
opium, followed by castor oil and laudanum ; we sometimes 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 231 

use the croton oil to subdue the constipation. Barbadoes tar 
is highly recommended in this disease. 

Do%e. — Two drachms, three times a day, or oftener if the 
stomach will bear it. This tar, mixed with an equal quan- 
tity of strong rum, is likewise proper for rubbing the spine, 
in case any tingling or other symptoms of palsy are expe- 
rienced. When the tar can not be obtained, the back may 
be rubbed with strong spirits, or a little of the oil of nutmegs, 
or of rosemary. 

If the patient remains weak and feeble after he has recovered 
from the disorder, he must take exercise on horseback, and 
use an infusion of the Peruvian bark in wine. 

In order to avoid this kind of colic^ persons should shun 
all sour fruits, acids, and austere liquors, etc. Those who 
work in lead should never go to their business fasting, and 
their food should be oily or fat. They may take a glass of 
salad oil with a little brandy or rum every morning, but 
should never take spirits alone. 

Liquid aliment is best for them, as fat broths, etc., but low 
living is bad. Great attention should be paid to the bowels, 
and on the least indication of costiveness, the purgative salts 
should be administered. 



SECTION XX. 
ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE LIYER.— (//^«^^J^^5^5.) 



The liver is less subject to inflammation than most of the 
other viscera, as in it the circulation is slower ; but when an 
inflammation does occur, it is with difficulty removed, and 
often ends in a suppuration or scirrhus. 

Hepatitis varies also in its degree of violence and rapidity ; 
being sometimes acute, and sometimes chronic, and often of 
intei-mediate grades. 



232 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 

Symptoms, — The distinguishing characteristics of this com- 
plaint, are a painful tension of the right side under the ribs, 
attended with a febrile affection, and a sense of weight or full- 
ness of the part ; the pain sometimes lancinating and acute, 
and is increased by lying on the left side ; difficult respira- 
tion; the bowels usually constipated, with a yellow furred 
tongue, loathing of food, great thirst, and yellowish color of 
the eyes and skin. 

When the inflammation occurs in the upper or convex part 
of the liver, the pain is more acute, the pulse quicker, and 
the patient is often troubled with a dry cough, a hiccough, 
with a pain extending to the shoulder, etc. 

Causes. — It is often occasioned by the free use of calomel 
or mercury, powerful emetics or cathartics ; exposure after 
the liver has been overheated, gall stones, drinking strong 
liquors, using heating, spicy aliment; protracted remittent 
and intermittent fevers ; sometimes by hypochondriacal dis- 
orders, etc. 

Begimen, — The same is to be observed in this as in other 
inflammatory complaints. All hot things are to be carefully 
avoided, and cool, diluting liquors, as whey, barley water, etc., 
drank freely. The food must be light and thin, and the body, 
as well as the mind, kept easy and quiet. This disease, if 
properly treated, seldom proves fatal. A constant hiccough, 
violent fever, and excessive thirst, are very unfavorable indi- 
cations. If it ends in a suppuration, and the matter can 
not be discharged outwardly, the danger is great. When a 
scirrhus of the liver ensues, the patient, if he observes a 
proper regimen, may live a number of years tolerably easy ; 
but if he indulges in animal food and strong liquors, or takes 
medicine of an acrid or irritating nature, the scirrhus will be 
converted into a cancer, which must infallibly prove fatal. 

Treatment. — Mercurial and saline purging, diaphoretics, 
etc., may be the treatment in the early stages of this complaint. 
All violent purging, however, is to be avoided. x\fter which, 
the bowels must be kept gently open ; a decoction of tama- 



JAUNDICE. 233 

rinds with a little honey or manna, will answer this purpose 
very well. The side affected must be frequently fomented 
with warm water, in the manner directed in the foregoing dis- 
eases. Mild laxative injections should be frequently adminis- 
tered ; and if the pain should, notwithstanding, continue vio- 
lent, a blistering plaster may be applied over the part affected. 
Medicines which promote the secretion of urine, have a very 
good effect here. For this purpose half a drachm of purified 
nitre, or a half tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, may 
be taken in a cup of the patient's drink three or four times a 
day. When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to be 
promoted, but not by warm sudorifics. The only thing to 
be used for that purpose, is diluting liquors, drank about 
blood warm. Indeed, the patient in this case, as well as in 
all other topical inflammations, ought to drink nothing that 
is colder than the blood. If the stools should be loose, and 
even streaked with blood, nothing must be given to stop them 
unless they be so frequent as to weaken the patient. 

Loose stools often prove critical, and carry off the disease. 
If the disorder, in spite of all endeavors to the contrary, 
should end in a scirrhus, the patient must be careful to regu- 
late his diet, etc., in such a manner as not to aggravate the 
disorder. He must abstain from flesh, fish, strong liquors, 'or 
any highly seasoned, or salted provisions ; but should, for the 
most part, live on mild vegetables, as fruits and roots, taking 
gentle exercise, and drinking whey, barley water, or butter- 
milk. If he takes any thing stronger, it should be fine, mild 
ale, which is less heating than wines or spirits. 



SECTION XXI. 
J AUl^mCE.— (Icterus.) 



This disease may first be discovered in the white of the 
eye, which presents a yellow color; after which the whole 



234 JAUNDICE. 

skin assumes a yellow appearance. Tlio urine, too, is 
of a saffron hue, and dies a white cloth of the same color. 
There is another species of this disease, called the black Jaun- 
dice. This disease makes its appearance usually in a gradual, 
and often in an un observable manner. 

Symptoms. — The patient at first complains of headache, 
slight fever, excessive weariness, and has a great aversion to 
every kind of motion. The digestive functions are deranged ; 
the bowels usually costive ; the tongue foul and yellow ; and 
the patient very often complains of pain in the region of the 
liver. The skin is dry, and there is usually a kind of an 
itching or pricking pain over the whole body. The stools 
are of a whitish clay color. The respiration is difficult, and 
the patient complains of an unusual load or oppression on 
the chest. There is heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste in the 
mouth, loathing of food, sickness at the stomach, vomiting, 
and flatulency. If the patient be young, and the disease 
complicated with no other malady, it is seldom dangerous; 
but in old persons, where it continues long, returns frequently, 
or is complicated with the dropsy or hypochondriac symp- 
toms, it generally proves fatal. The black Jaundice is more 
dangerous than the yellow. 

Causes. — These are various. It may arise from an obstruc- 
tion of the bile ; excessive use of quinine, rhubarb, or calo- 
mel in fevers, or from disorders of the stomach and bowels ; 
the bilious or hysteric colic ; violent passions, as grief, anger, 
etc. Strong purges or vomits will likewise occasion the Jaun- 
dice. Sometimes it proceeds from obstinate agues, or from 
that malady being prematurely stopped by astringent medi- 
cines. In infants it is often occasioned by the meconium not 
being sufficiently purged off. Pregnant women are very sub- 
ject to it. Taking cold, or the stopping of customary evacua- 
tions, as the menses^ the bleeding piles, issues, etc., will occa- 
sion the complaint. 

Regimen. — The diet should be cool, light, and diluting, 
consisting chiefly of ripe fruits and mild vegetables, as apples, 



JAUNDICE. Zoo 

boiled or roasted, stewed primes, preserved plums, boiled 
spinnage, etc. Yeal or chicken broth, with light bread, are 
likewise very proper. The drink should be buttermilk, whey 
sweetened with honey, or decoctions of cooling vegetables, 
which are calculated to keep the bowels soluble, or open, as 
marsh-mallow roots with licorice^ etc. Tapioca, sago, or 
rice, and gruels made of arrow-root, corn starch, or farina, 
are also articles of diet very suitable for the patient. 

The patient should take as much exercise as he can bear, 
either upon horseback or in a carriage; walking, running, 
or even jumping, are likewise proper, provided he can bear 
them without pain, and there be no symptoms of inflamma- 
tion. Patients have been often cured of this complaint by a 
long journey, after medicines had proved ineffectual. 

Amusements are likewise of great use in the Jaundice. 
The malady is often occasioned by a sedentary life, joined 
to a dull, melancholy disposition ; whatever, therefore, tends 
to promote the circulation and to cheer the spirits, must have 
a good effect, as dancing, laughing, singing, etc. 

Treatment. — In this complaint an emetic should be admin- 
istered, and if the disease prove obstinate, it may be repeated 
once or twice. ISTo medicines are more beneficial in the 
Jaundice than emetics, especially where it is not attended 
with inflammation. Half a drachm of ipecacuanha^ in pow- 
der, will be a sufficient dose fur an adult. It may be wrought 
off with weak chamomile tea or lukewaj-m water. The 
bowels must likewise be kept open by mild purgatives. 
Eubbing about the region of the stomach and liver, with a 
flesh brush, and fomenting the parts with an infusion of the 
flowers of poppies in rum, are likewise very beneficial ; but 
perhaps it may be still more so for the patient to sit in a 
vessel of warm water up to the breast. He should do this 
frequently, and should continue in it as long as the strength 
will permit. 

Emetics, purges, fomentations, and exercise, will seldom 
fail to cure the Jaundice when it is a simple disease ; and 
when complicated with the dropsy, a scirrhus liver, or other 



236 INFLAMM^-iflON OF THE SPLEEN. 

chronic complaints, it is hardly to be cured by any means. 
The soluble tar is likewise a very proper medicine in the 
Jaundice. A drachm of it may be taken every night and 
morning in a cup of tea or water gruel. If it does not open 
the bowels, the dose may be increased. Persons subject to 
the Jaundice, should take as much exercise as possible, and 
avoid all heatins: and astringent aliments. 



SECTION XXII. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE SFLEE^.—{Splemtis.) 



The first stage of the disease is indicated by a chill, fol- 
lowed by fever, which may have the continued remittent, or 
intermittent type, and is attended with very great thirst. It 
greatly resembles the inflammation of the liver, but the pain 
and tumefaction is in the left side. 

Symptoms. — Some of the symptoms characteristic of this 
disease are tension, and deep pain in the left hypochondrium, 
sometimes acute, sometimes vague and dull, usually increased 
by pressure over the region of the spleen ; and the paroxysms 
generally assume a quartan form. It is considered to be as- 
sociated with the liver in purifying the blood. In the severe 
forms it is attended with vomiting of blood. The bowels are 
usually costive; but sometimes they become involved in the 
irritation, and diarrhea or dysentery results. When the 
patients expose themselves for a short time to the free air, 
their extremities grow very cold. Like the liver, the spleen is 
also subject to a chronic inflammation, which often happens 
after agues, and is called the ague cake. 

Causes. — It is sometimes occasioned by marsh miasms; 
sometimes from an inaction of the liver; external violence ; 
the suppression of habitual discharges; rheumatic, and vari- 
ous afl;ections of the skin. In the great majority of cases, 



MUMPHS. 237 

simple iuflammation of the spleen, under proper treatment, 
terminates favorably in resolution. Sometimes, however, it is 
otherwise, and violent cases may end fatally in a week or ten 
days, or even in less time. 

Treatment. — The treatment in this disorder should be simi- 
lar to that of inflammation of the liver; active purgation, 
first with combinations of calomel and other cathartics, and 
afterwards with saline purgatives or senna ; warm fomenta- 
tions or cataplasms, and the warm bath. In connection 
with purgatives, the sulphate of quinia will be found highly 
useful. Medicines should be used which are calculated to act 
on the liver, equalize the circulation, and to purify the blood. 



SECTION XXIII. 
MX]^1?11^.— {Far otitis.) 



This disease is considered to be epidemic and contagious. 
It consists of inflammation, and a swelling about the throat. 
Young persons of both sexes are far more liable to be attacked 
by it, than those further advanced in life. It is not usually 
dangerous unless the patient exposes himself when the disease 
is upon him, and they are throwm back upon the system, so 
as to involve some of the vital org-ans. 



•&' 



Symptoms. — It is preceded by heaviness, lassitude, and a 
general sensation of uneasiness, which continue for several 
days. There is a swelling on the cheek and under jaw ; and 
sometimes the whole neck is involved, so that chewing and 
swallowing are both obstructed. The swelling increases for 
four or five days, and sometimes to so enormous a magnitude 
as greatly to disfigure the countenance. About the fourth 
day from the commencement of the tumefaction, the disease is 
at its hight, and on the fifth it begins to disappear. A gentle 
moisture then begins to exude from the surface of the swell- 



238 PILES. 

ing, accompanied with a general perspiration of the whole 
body, which, if it be encouraged, by keeping warm in bed, 
and drinking diluent fluids, appears to form the natural crisis 
of the disease, and the whole terminates favorably about the 
sixth or seventh day. But, if from exposure to cold, or im- 
proper management, this natural process of the disease be 
interrupted, a singular translation of the morbid action takes 
place. The tumors about the throat suddenly subside, and 
are followed by swellings of the breasts and other parts. If 
the swellings of these parts be imprudently checked by ex- 
posure to cold, or if they suddenly subside, the brain is apt 
to become aifected, occasioning convulsions, delirium, and 
other dreadful symptoms, which finally terminate in death. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of this complaint, evacua- 
tions of all kinds are not only improper but dangerous. If 
the bowels are much constipated, they may occasionally be 
relieved by an injection, but active purgatives must on no 
account be employed. The patient should keep warm in bed, 
and encourage perspiration, by drinking freely of diluting 
liquors, such as whey, mint or talm tea, with a few drops of 
the spirits of hartshorn. The effort of nature to resolve the 
tumors by exudation, should be promoted by covering the 
parts with soft flannel. If the swelliugs show a disposition 
to subside too soon, they should be covered with blistering 
plasters, or rubbed with the volatile liniment. 



SECTION XXIV. 
'^W.Y.^.—iHemorTJioids) 



A discharge of blood from the hemorrhoidal vessels, is 
termed the Meedlng piles. Piles are either internal or extru- 
ded, and discharge mucus or blood. This flux may often be 
regarded favorable, as preventing more serious or dangerous 
diseases ; often when the bleeding from the tumors is sud- 



PILES. 



239 



denly arrested, disease of a more serious character takes its 
place. Piles occur in persons who lead an inactive and 
sedentary life. Men are more liable to it than women, espe- 
cially those of a sanguine, plethoric habit, or of a melancholy 
disposition. 

Preo-nant women are often afflicted with this complaint. 
When the vessels only swell, and discharge no blood, but are 
exceedingly painful, the disease is called the Uind piles. It is 
often hereditary ; and where this is the case, it attacks persons 
more early in life than when it is accidental. 

A flux of blood from the a7ius is not always to be con- 
sidered a disease. It is even more salutary than bleeding at 
the nose, and often prevents or carries off diseases. It is 
peculiarly benelicial in asthma, rheumatism, and hypochon- 
driacal complaints, and often proves of great benefit in colics 
and inflammatory fevers. 

The bleeding piles is sometimes periodical, and return 
regularly once a month, or once in three weeks. In this case 
it is always to be considered as a salutary discharge, and 
by no means to be stopped. Some have entirely ruined their 
health by stopping a periodical discharge of this character. 

Symptoms. — The piles are accompanied by uneasiness in 
the loins and rectum, inability to use exercise without dis- 
tress, costiveness, and general ill health. 

Causes. — The piles may be the result of strong aloetic 
purges, high-seasoned food, drinking great quantities of sweet 
wines, or an excess of blood; the neglect of any of the cus- 
tomary evacuations, much riding, great costiveness, or any- 
thing that occasions hard or difficult stools. Anger, grief, 
and other violent passions, will likewise occasion it. 

Treatment. — In treating this disease we must regard the 
patient's habit of body, his age, strength, and manner of liv- 
ing. A discharge which might be excessive, and prove hurt- 
ful to one, may be very moderate, and even salutary to another. 
That only is to be esteemed dangerous which continues too 



210 PILES. 

long, and is in such quantity as to waste the patient's strength, 

hurt the digestion, nutrition, and other secretions necessary 
to life. TThen this is the case, the discharge must be checked 
bv a proper regimen and astringent medicines. The diet 
must be cool but nourishing, consisting chiefly of bread, milk, 
cooling vegetables, and broths. The drink may be chaly- 
beate water, orange whey, decoctions or infusions of the 
astringent and mucilaginous plants, as the tormentil root^ 
histort^ the marsJi-malloio rooU^ etc. The old conserve of 
roses is an excellent medicine in this case. It may be mixed 
with new milk, and taken in the quantity of an ounce three 
or foui' times a day ; when taken as here directed, and duly 
persisted in, it has been known to eliect very extraordinary 
cm-es in violent hemorrhages, especially when assisted by the 
tincture of roses; a tea spoonful of which may be taken 
about an hour after every dose of the conserve. The Peru- 
vian bark is likewise very useful, both as a tonic and as- 
tringent. It may be taken in wine, sharpened with the 
spirit of vitrol. The diet must be light and thin, and the 
drink cool or diluting. It is likewise necessary that the 
bowels be kept gently open. This may be done by small 
doses of sulphur and cream of tartar. These may be mixed 
in equal quantities, and a tea spoonful taken from two to four 
times a day, or as often as is necessary to keep the bowels 
open. Or an ounce of sulphur and half an ounce of purified 
nitre may be mixed with three or four ounces of the lenitive 
electuary, and a tea spoonful of it taken three or four times a 
day. Eniollient clysters are here likewise beneficial; but 
there is sometimes such an astriction of the anus that they 
can not be thrown up. In this case an emetic sometimes has 
an exceeding good efiect. 

When the Piles are exceedingly painful and swelled, but 
discharge nothing, the patient should sit over the steam of 
warm water. He may likewise apply a linen cloth dipped 
in warm spirits of wine to the part, or poultices made of bread 
and milk. If these do not produce a discharge, and the piles 
appear large, leeches must be applied as near them as possi- 
ble, or if thev will take hold upon the Piles themselves so 



HEAKTBURN OR WATER BRASH. 241 

much tlie better. When leeches will not take hold, the Piles 
may be opened with a lancet. The operation is very easy, 
and is attended with no danger. When the pain however is 
very great, a liniment, made of one and a half ounces of 
emollient ointment and half an ounce of liquid laudanum, 
beat up with the yolk of an egg, may be applied. 



SECTION XXV. 
HEAETBURK or WATER BR ASR.— {Porosis.) 



This complaint is so nearly allied to dyspepsia, that the 
class of medicines for that disease are to be regarded the best 
adapted for this. 

Symptoms. — This disorder is attended with an uneasy sen- 
sation of heat or acrimony about the pit of the stomach, 
which is sometimes succeeded by anxiety, nausea, and vomit- 
ing, or a plentiful discharge of a clear, watery fluid. There 
is often faintuess, debility, and coldness of the extremeties, 
Cardialiga is often a symptom of other diseases; as dys- 
pepsia, scirrhus, chronic inflammation of the stomach, worms, 
rheumatism, suppressed menstruation, and various diseases 
of the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines ; but it 
is likewise found, in many instances, as an idiopathtic 
affection. 

Treatment — In idiopathic cases, the treatment consists of a 
proper attention to diet, rejecting such articles of food as 
we find are apt to become acid or sour upon the stomach. 
Animal food and shell fish may be indulged in ; whilst vege- 
tables, as much as consistent, should be avoided. Tonics, 
with gentle stimulants, when there is no inflammation 
present. Alkaline medicines, combined with rhubarb, are 
very useful ; exercise, with a proper attention to the bowels, 
is likewise necessary ; and bathing the region of the stomach 
with the tincture of myrrh, bathing drops, or other stimulat- 
ing wash, has been found very serviceable. 



CHAPTER III. 
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 



SECTION I. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE lUJ)l^'E,YS.—(N^ephritis.) 



Symptoms. — This disease is known by a forcing, sharp 
pain in the back, each side of the spine in the lumbar region, 
shooting along the uterus to the bladder ; difficulty in passing 
urine ; an entire stoppage, or suppression of the urine ; when 
both of the kidneys are involved, the urine is hot and highly 
colored, and frequently discharged. Chills, fever, deranged 
stomach, constipation, and colic pains usually attend it. It 
sometimes terminates in suppression or in coma. The pains 
of the patient are much aggravated when he attempts to walk 
or sit upright. He lies with more ease on the affected side, 
and has usually a nausea or vomiting, resembling that which 
occurs in colic. This disease, however, may be distinguished 
from the colic by the pain being seated further back, and by 
the difficulty of passing urine, which is a constant symptom 
of the former, but does not always take place in the latter. 

Causes. — Blows, falls, or strains, or other external injuries ; 
and the action of irritants passing into the blood, as canthar- 
ides, turpentine, a calculus in the pelvis of the kidney, etc. It 
may proceed from any of those causes which produce an in- 
flammatory fever; immoderate use of wine, or alcoholic 
drinks ; suppressed piles or menstruation. 

Treatment. — Leeches may be applied to the hemorrhoidal 

veins, as a discharge from these will greatly relieve the patient. 
Cloths wrung out of warm water, or the warm infusion of 
poppies in rum, should be applied to the affected part, and 

(242) 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 243 

renewed as they grow cool. Emollient enemata ought fre- 
quently to be administered; and if these do not open the 
bowels, a little salt and honey, or manna, may be added to 
them. 

The same course is to be pursued where gravel or a stone is 
lodged in the kidney ; but when the gravel or stone is separ- 
ated from the kidney, and lodges in the ureter, it will be 
profitable, besides the fomentations, to rub the part with a 
little sweet oil, and to give gentle diuretics ; juniper water 
sweetened with the sirup oi marsh-mallows^ or a tea spoonful 
of the sweet spirits of nitre, now and then, in a cup of the 
patient's drink. He should likewise take exercise on horse- 
back, or in a carriage, as he can bear. 

When matter in the urine indicates that an ulcer is already 
formed in the kidney, the patient must be careful to abstain from 
all acrid, sour, and salted provisions ; and to live chiefly upon 
mild mucilaginous herbs and fruits, together with the broth 
of young animals, made with barley and common pot-herbs, 
etc. His drink may be whey, and buttermilk that is not sour. 
The latter, is by some considered a specific remedy in ulcers 
of the kidneys. To answer this purpose, however, it must 
be drank for a considerable length of time. Chalybeate 
waters have likewise been found beneficial in this complaint. 
The latter must also be used for a considerable time in order 
to produce any salutary efiects. 

Those who are subject to frequent returns, of inflammation 
or obstruction of the kidneys, should abstain from wines, 
especially such as abound with tartar, and their food should 
be light and of easy digestion. They should use moderate 
exercise, and should not sleep too hot, nor too much on the 
back. 



244 GRAVEL. 

SECTION II. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLA'DBY.U.— (Cystitis.) 



This complaint proceeds chiefly from the same causes as 
that of the kidneys, and requires about the same manner 
of treatment. This disease may either be acute or chronic. 
The acute form is recognized by acute pain in the region of 
the bladder, accompanied with fever and hard pulse ; pain- 
ful and frequent discharge of urine, or a suppression, and 
generally tenesmus. If the disease be not soon subdued, the 
restlessness and anxiety increase, the extremities grow cold, 
vomiting supervenes, and delirium and other marks of great 
general irritation: the disease runs its course with rapidity, 
and abates or destroys the patient in a few days. 

Treatment. — The patient should abstain from every thing 
that is of a hot, acrid, and stimulating character, and should 
live wholly upon weak broths, gruels, or mild vegetables; 
and administer the sweet spirits of nitre, where the mucous 
coat is involved ; but if the muscular or peritoneal coat be 
the seat of the disease, give fluids sparingly; and administer 
diaphoretics ; Dover's powder and anodyne enemata. 

Chr 07110 cystitis^ or catarrli of tJie hladder^ is indicated 
by a highly irritable state of that organ, and a very copious 
excretion of mucus along with the urine, often without pain, 
and sometimes very thick. 



SECTION III. 
GE A YEL.— ( Calcidus.Stone) 



The treatment of this disorder has been fully pointed out 
under the articles, inflammation of the Mdneys.^ and inflam- 
mation of the hJaddei\ to which we refer the patient. 



DIABETES. 245 

In all obstructions of urine the body should be kept open. 
This is not, however, to be done by strong purgatives, 
but by emollient clysters, or gentle infusions of senna and 
manna. Clysters in this case, not only open the bowels, but 
answer the purpose of an internal fomentation, and greatly 
assist in removing the spasms of the bladder, and adjacent 
parts. If the patient has been accustomed to the moderate 
use of liquors, he may drink gin and water not too strong, or 
weak gin punch, if there is no inflammation. Gravel or 
stone in the bladder, is known from the urine being discharged 
by drops, attended with pain, and bloody urine. Gentle 
exercise is beneficial ; but violent riding either on horseback 
or in a carriage is injurious. Lime-water is highly recom- 
mended in this disorder. 

Dose.-^'Begin with a pint a day, and gradually increase as 
the patient can bear; persevere in its use for months, if 
necessary. 



SECTION IV. 
DIABETES. — (Immoderate secretion of urine.) 



Diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge of urine. This 
disorder usually comes on gradually and uiiperceived, with 
voracious appetite and intense thirst, which are found difficult 
to satisfy ; these symptoms generally remain throughout the 
complaint, and sometimes they afford the only indications of 
the disease, making their appearance at the commencement. 
It is seldom to be met with among young people, but often 
attacks persons in the decline of life, especially those who 
follow the more violent employments, or have been hard 
drinkers in their youth. 

Symptoms. — In Diabetes the urine generally exceeds in 
quantity all the liquid food the patient takes. The mouth is 
23 



24G DIABETES. 

dry, and there is a frothy spittle ; the strength fails, the appe- 
tite decays, and there is a gradual emaciation of the whole 
body. It often attends on hysteria, hypochondriasis, dyspep- 
sia, and asthma ; but it is always milder when symptomatic 
than when it appears as a primary affection. There is heat 
of the bowels, and often the loins and feet are swelled, when 
all the appearances of hectic prevails. 

Causes. — Occasioned by intemperance in eating, drinking, 
or exposure, or from the long continued abuse of diuretics or 
cathartics, or other powerful depleting courses, such as bleed- 
ing, etc. It is, likewise, often the consequence of acute dis- 
eases, as fevers, fluxes, etc. In a word, this disease may 
either proceed from too great a laxity of the organs which 
secrete the urine, from something that stimulates the kidneys 
too much, or from a thin, dissolved state of the blood, which 
makes too great a quantity of it run off by the urinary 
passages. 

Regimen. — Every thing that stimulates the urinary pas- 
sages or tends to relax the habit must be avoided. For this 
reason the patient should live principally on solid food. His 
drink should be diminished to the smallest quantity, and be 
free from stimulating or diuretic property. His thirst may be 
quenched with acids ; as sorrel, juice of lemon, or vinegar. 
The mucilaginous vegetables, as rice, sago, and salep, with 
milk, are the most proper articles of food. Of animal sub- 
stances, shell-fish are to be preferred, as oysters, crabs, etc. 

For his drink, is recommended an ounce of gum Arabic 
dissolved in every pound of lime-water. The clothing should 
be warm, and sudorifics, with the hot bath, be frequently 
employed ; irritation about the bladder or kidneys must be 
subdued by demulcents or counter-irritation, and opiates. 
Debility must be counteracted by tonics. Hygienic means 
should be at all times adopted. The mineral acids, especially 
the phosphoric, and also iodine, have been recommended as 
a means of arresting the saccharine formation. The patient 
should take daily exercise, but it should be so gentle as not to 



DIABETES. 247 

fatigue him. He should lie upon a hard bed or mattress ; 
nothing hurts the kidneys more than lying too soft. A warm, 
dry air, the use of the flesh-brush, and every thing that pro- 
motes perspiration, is of service ; for this reason the patient 
must wear flannel next his skin. A piece of flannel wet two 
or three times a day with the infusion of wormxcood in rum, 
and worn around the loins, will remarkably strengthen the 
parts afiected. 

Treatment. — Gentle purges, if the patient be not too much 
debilitated by the disease, have a good effect. They may con- 
sist of rhubarb, with cardamom seeds, or any other species, 
infused in wine, and may be taken in such quantity as to 
keep the bowels gently open. The patient must next have re- 
course to astringents and corroborants. A dram oi Peruvian 
harlc^ taken three times a day in a glass of claret or port wine, 
is an excellent corroborant. Alum whey, taken in the dose 
of a gill three times a day, is an excellent astringent in this 
complaint ; prepared by boiling two quarts of milk over a 
slow fire, with three drachms of alum, till the curd separates. 

Opiates are of service in this disorder, even though the 
patient rests well. They allay the spasm and irritation, and 
at the same time lessen the force of the circulation. Ten or 
twelve drops of laudanum may be taken in the patient's drink 
two or three times a day. 

There is a disease incident to laboring people in the decline 
of life, called Incontinence of Urine, — {Enuresis.) But this 
is entirely different from Diabetes, as the water passes off 
involuntary by drops, and does not exceed the usual quantity. 
This complaint is rather more troublesome than dangerous. 
It is owing to a relaxation of the sphincter of the bladder, 
and is often the effect of palsy. Sometimes- it results from 
injuries occasioned by blows, bruises, preternatural labors, etc. 
Sometimes it is the effect of a fever. It may likewise be 
occasioned by a long use of strong diuretics, or of stimulat- 
ing medicines injected into the bladder. The treatment 
should be similar to that in Diabetes. 



CHAPTER IV. 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN 

CUTANEOUS DISORDERS. 



SECTION I. 
ITCH. — {Scahies. — Psora.) 



The Itch is, as every body knows, contagious ; but it is 
contagious only in that particular sense which implies contact. 
This disease in all its forms has but one cause, and requires 
the same treatment. The eruption appears all over the body, 
except the face ; it is very rare in the scalp. 

The Itch is seldom a dangerous complaint, unless when it 
is rendered so by neglect or improper treatment. If it be 
sufiered to continue too long, it may vitiate the whole mass 
of humors ; and if it be suddenly drove in, without proper 
evacuation, it may occasion fevers, inflammation of the 
viscera, or other internal disorders. 

SyTiiptoms. — The first sign of this disease is an itching 
sensation, which upon examination, is found to proceed from 
a peculiar eruption of pointed vesicles, transparent at the 
top, and filled with thin matter ; sometimes these pimples or 
vesicles terminate in pustules or blisters ; unattended with 
fever. The disease is often confined to particular spots, as 
the hand, space between the fingers, or toes, or the wrist, etc. 
Sometimes, however it spreads over all parts of the body. 

Treatment. — The best medicine yet discovered for the Itch 
is sulphur, which ought to be used both internally and ex- 
ternally ; and there is every reason to believe that if duly 
persisted in, it never will fail to efiect a cure. An ointment 
may be made, of sulphur two ounces, crude salammoniac 

( 243 ) 



ITCH. 249 

finely powdered, two drachms, hog's lard four ounces ; when 
cold, if half a drachm of the essence of lemon be added, it 
will entirely destroy the offensive odor. About the bulk of 
a nutmeg of this may be rubbed upon the different parts. It 
is seldom necessary to rub the whole body, but when it is, it 
ought not to be done all at once, but by turns, as it is danger- 
ous to stop too many pores at one time. The patient should 
begin by taking a dose of sulphur at bedtime, and rubbing 
on the ointment before a hot fire for three or four nights in 
succession, then omit three, and continue this course till the 
cure is affected. It is, however, often the case a cure is 
effected the first week. Before the patient begins upon 
this course, he ought, if of a full habit, to take a purge or 
two. He should beware of taking cold, should wear more 
clothes than usual, and take every thing warm. The same 
clothes, (the linen excepted,) should be worn all the time of 
using the ointment ; and such clothes as have been worn 
while the patient was under the disease are not to be used 
again, unless they have been fumigated with brimstone and 
thoroughly cleansed, otherwise they will communicate the 
infection anew. 

People ought to be extremely cautious lest they take other 
eruptions for the itch, as the stoppage of these may be attend- 
ed with fatal consequences. Many of the eruptive disorders 
to which children are liable, have a near resemblance to this 
disease, and infants have often been killed Iqj being rubbed 
with the greasy ointments, that made these eruptions strike in 
suddenly which nature had thrown out to preserve the pa- 
tient's life, or prevent some other malady. 



SECTION II. 
BOILS. — (Furunculus.) 



Boils are very tedious, inflammatory, hard and circum- 
scribed tumors, that occur in the soft parts on the exterior of 



250 RING-W'ORM OF THE SCALP. 

the body, and are apt to suppurate. It seldom exceeds the 
size of a pigeon's egg. It always has a central core, and is 
generally found in persons in strong health and the vigor of 
youth. Sometimes, however, boils occur in persons of cachec- 
tic habits. This disease rarely requires medical or surgical 
treatment, unless the person has many, and then bleeding and 
purging are required in plethoric constitutions, and an altera- 
tive course of sarsaparilla in weak and unhealthy ones. It is 
said the application of turpentine, when the boil first makes 
its appearance, soon disperses it. Apply a poultice of warm 
bread and milk, or a poultice of rye meal, with the addition 
of a tea spoonful of paregoric. 



SECTION III. 
EIXG-WOKM OF THE SCALF.—{Ti?iea capitis.) 



Eing-worm of the scalp is often called scaldhead ; this 
and chilblains are the most obstinate of all eruptions inci- 
dent to children. Ring-worm of the scalp is a very con- 
tagious complaint, communicating itself readily among chil- 
dren who use the same comb or brush, or even the same 
towel, for any length of time. It is exceeding difficult to 
cure, and often indeed the cure proves worse than the disease. 
Children have frequently been seized with internal com- 
plaints, of which they have died, soon after their heads 
were healed by the application of drying medicines. 

Syinptoms. — This disease makes its appearance upon the 
scalp, forehead, and neck. It begins with clusters of small, 
light yellow pustules, which soon break, and form thin scabs 
over each patch, which, if neglected, become thick and hard 
by accumulation. K the progress of the disease be unimpe- 
ded, it will often cover tlie whole head by a scab. 

Causes. — The eruptions of children are principally owing 
to the following causes, viz : neglect of cleanliness and im- 



EING-WOEM OF THE SCALP. 251 

proper food. If a child be stulBTed at all hours with food that 
its stomach is not able to digest, such food, not being properly 
assimilated, instead of nourishing the body, fills it with gross 
humors. These must either break out in the form of erup- 
tions upon the skin, or remain in the body and occasion 
fevers and other internal complaints. 

The children of the poor, and of all who neglect cleanli- 
ness, are almost constantly found to swarm with vermin, and 
are generally covered with the scab, itch, and other eruptions. 
When eruptions are the effect of improper food, or want of 
cleanliness, a proper attention to these alone will usually be 
sufficient to remove them. If this should not be the case, 
some drying mediciues will be necessary ; but they should 
never be applied without the greatest caution. K drying 
medicines are applied, the bowels ought at the same time to 
be kept open, and taking cold is carefully to be avoided. 
Perhaps there is no remedy more safe for drying cutaneous 
eruptions than sulphur ointment, provided it be sparingly 
used. The parts affected may be frequently rubbed with this 
ointment. The cure should always first be attempted by keep- 
ing the head very clean, cutting off the hair, combing and 
brushing away the scabs, etc. 

If this be not sufficient, let the head be shaved once a week 
or oftener, and washed daily with soap-suds or lime-water. 
Should these fail, a plaster of black pitch may be applied, in 
order to pull out the hair by the roots ; and if there be proud 
fiesh, it should be sprinkled with a little burnt alum. While 
these things are being done, the patient must be confined to a 
regular, light diet. To prevent any bad consequences in stop- 
ping this discharge, it will be proper, especially in children 
of a gross habit, to burn an issue on the neck or arm, which 
may be kept running till the patient becomes more strong, 
and the constitution be somewhat mended. In cachectic 
children, internal medicines will be necessary, especially the 
vinum ferri, or wine of iron, found at the druggists. Mix 
the tincture of cantharides, and the tincture of blood-root 
together ; rub the part affected with the same, and a cure may 
be expected in about a week. Children while at the breast 



252 SCURVY. 

are seldom free from eruptions of one kind or other. These, 
however, are not often dangerous, and should never be stop- 
ped but with the greatest caution. They tend to free the 
bodies of infants from hot and acrid humors, which if re- 
tained, might produce fatal complaints. 



SECTION IV. 
SGURYY.—iScorhutus,) 



This is a disease of an adynamic character, much more 
prevalent in cold climates than in warm ones, especially in 
low, damp sections, near large marshes, or great quantities of 
stagnant water. Sedentary persons of a dull, melancholy 
disposition, are most subject to it. It proves often fatal to 
sailors on long voyages, particularly in ships that are not 
properly ventilated, have many people on board, or where 
cleanliness is neglected. 

Symptoms. — Scurvy comes on gradually, with heaviness, 
weariness, and an unwillingness to move about, together 
with dejection of spirits, considerable loss of strength, and 
debility. As the disease advances in its progress, the counte- 
nance becomes sallow and bloated, respiration is hurried on 
the least motion, the teeth become loose, the gums are spongy, 
the breath is very offensive, livid spots appear on different 
parts of the body; old wounds, which have been long healed, 
break out afresh; severe wandering pains are experienced, 
particularly in the limbs ; the skin is dry, the urine small in 
quantity, turning blue vegetable infusions to a green color ; 
and the pulse is small, frequent, and, toward the last, inter- 
mitting ; but the intellect is, for the most part, clear and dis- 
tinct. In the worst forms of this disease, there arises a tend- 
ency to putrefaction, and the last stage is truly distressing. 
The slightest motion brings on faintness, and sometimes im- 
mediate death. The joints become swollen and stiff, the ten^ 



scunvY. 253 

dona of the legs are rigid and contracted, general emaciation 
ensues, hemorrhages break forth from different parts, fetid 
evacuations are discharged by stool. At last a wasting or 
hectic fever comes on, and the miserable patient is often car- 
ried off by a dysentery, diarrhea, dropsy, the palsy, fainting 
fits, or mortification of the bowels. 

Causes. — This disease chiefly affects seamen, and such as 
are shut up in beseiged places, owing, as is supposed, to 
their being deprived of fresh provisions. The land scurvy 
shows itself in circular, dark or purple spots on the skin, of 
difierent sizes. The same causes which produce this fatal 
malady at sea, will also do it on shore. The causes which 
usually give rise to Scurvy are, intemperance, confinement, 
severe labor, want of exercise, weak or unwholesome diet; 
neglect of cleanliness, breathing an impure air, anxiety of 
mind, debilitating menstrual evacuations, etc. 

Treatment. — In the cure as well as the prevention of 
Scurvy, much more is to be done by regimen than by medi- 
cines. If the patient has been obliged to breathe a cold, 
damp, or confined air, he should be removed as soon as pos- 
sible, to a dry, open, and moderately warm one. If there is 
reason to believe that the disease proceeds from a sedentary 
life, or depressing passions, as grief, fear, etc., the patient 
must take daily as much exercise in the open air as he can 
bear, and his mind should be diverted by cheerful company 
and other amusements. When the Scurvy has been brought 
on by a long use of salted provisions, the proper medicine is 
a diet consisting chiefly of fresh vegetables, and what meat 
he does eat should be fresh. Of vegetables, he should use of 
those termed alkalescent, such as garlics.^ scurvy-grass^ water- 
cresses., IrooUhne^ etc. The use of these, with milk, pot- 
herbs, new bread, and fresh beer or cider, will seldom fail to 
remove a scurvy of this kind, if taken before it be too far 
advanced ; but to have this effect, they must be persisted in 
for a considerable time. "When fresh vegetables can not be 
obtained, pickled or preserved ones may be used ; and when 
these are wanting, recourse must be had to the chemical acids. 



254 SCURVY. 

All the patient's food and drink should in this case, be acid- 
ulated with cream of tartar, elixir of vitrol, vinegar, etc. 
It has been found that those articles are especially useful 
which contain a native acid, as apples, oranges, lemons, and 
tamarinds ; mustard^ horse and common radish^ and lettuce, 
may be freely eaten without cooking, together with beets, 
carrots, parsnips, cabbage, etc., which may be prepared by 
the common process of cooking. All kinds of salad are good 
in Scurvy, and should be eaten very plentifully, as spinnage^ 
'parsley^ celery^ endive^ radisTi^ dandelion^ etc. It is aston- 
ishing to see how soon fresh vegetables, in the spring, cure the 
brute animals of any scab, or foulness which is upon their 
ekins. A decoction made of the roots of the narrow docTc 
should be drank often during the day, which will effect a cure 
in Scurvy if persevered in for some time. A good handful 
of the fresh roots may be cut up and steeped in three pints of 
water, of which the patient may drink one-third of a tea cup- 
ful three or four times a day, or a table spoonful of the pow- 
der may be steeped in a tea cupful of hot water, which may 
be divided into tJiree doses, and taken through the day. The 
hurdoch and hroad-leqfed-dock are said by some to possess 
equal medicinal properties to the former, in the cure of cuta- 
neous diseases. For the cure of lepra or leprosy, the same 
course should be pursued in diet and medicine, as in the 
Scurvy. 



SECTION y. 
QmLELAl^^.—^Periiiones.) 



This complaint usually attacks children in cold weather ; 
and is of an inflammatory character. ■ 

Causes. — They are usually occasioned by the feet or hands 
being kept long wet, or cold, and afterwards suddenly heated. 
When children are cold, instead of taking exercise to warm 
themselves o-raduallv, they run to the fire. This occasions a 



ULCEias. 255 

sudden rarefaction of the humors, and an infarction of the 
vessels ; which being often repeated, the vessels are at last 
over-distended and forced to give way. 

Treatment. — When Chilblains become much ulcerated and 
painful, they denote some constitutional taint, that should 
receive proper treatment, in accordance with the indicat- 
ing symptoms, and the temperament of the person. This 
complaint prevails chiefly in damp and temperate climates ; 
it takes its departure in the summer time, and returns annu- 
ally. Persons who have once experienced this troublesome 
disorder, are liable to subsequent attacks. To prevent it, 
severe cold and sudden heat must be equally avoided. When 
the places begin to swell and look red, the patient ought to be 
purged, and to have the affected parts often rubbed with mus- 
tard and brandy, or something of a warming, stimulating 
nature. They should likewise be covered with flannel, and 
kept warm and dry. Some apply warm ashes between cloths 
to the swelled parts, which frequently helps to reduce them. 
When there is a sore, it must be dressed with some drying, 
healing ointment. Sulphur is useful, employed both inter- 
nally and externally. Covering the affected part with cotton 
wool has sometimes proved curative in this complaint. A 
baked turnip also, applied as a poultice, is recommended as 
a cure. 



SECTION YI. 
ULCERS.— (C^c^m.) 



By an Ulcer is understood a purulent solution of the soft 
parts of an animal body. These may result from a variety 
of causes, as all those which produce inflammation, from 
wounds, specific irritations of the absorbents, from scurvy, 
cancer, or scrofulous virus, etc. 

Symptoms. — An Ulcer may be distiDguished from a wound 
by its discharging a thin, watery humor, which is often so 



256 ULCERS. 

acrid as to inflame and corrode the skin ; by the hardness and 
perpendicular situation of its sides or edges ; by the time of 
its duration, etc. Its formation is preceded by pain, heat, 
redness, and swelling of the part. 

Causes.— IJlcevs usually originate from an ill state of the 
numors, or what may be called a bad ha*bit of body. It may 
also arise from gross, or otherwise unwholesome living, and 
neglect of exercise. 

■ Treatment. — When there is an Ulcer formed it ought not 
to be too hastily dried up, otherwise it may prove fatal to the 
patient ; they might often be prevented by retrenching some 
part of the solid food, or by opening artificial drains, as issues, 
setons, or the like. 

It requires considerable skill to determine when an Ulcer 
should be healed and when not. In general, all Ulcers which 
proceed from a bad habit of body, should be permitted to remain 
open at least till the constitution be so far changed, by proper 
regimen, or the use of medicine, that they seem disposed to 
heal of their own accord. Ulcers which are the efiect of ma- 
lignant fevers or other acute disorders, may usually be healed 
with safety after the health has been restored for some time. 
The cure should not, however, be attempted too soon, nor at 
any time without the use of purging medicines and a proper 
regimen. AYhen wounds or bruises have, by wrong treat- 
ment, degenerated into Ulcers, if the constitution is good, 
they may generally be healed with safety. When Ulcers 
either accompany chronical complaints, or appear in their 
stead, they must be cautiously healed. If an Ulcer conduces 
to the patient's health, from whatever cause it proceeds, it 
ought not to be healed ; but if, on the contrary, it wastes the 
strength, and wears upon the patient by a slow fever, it should 
be healed as soon as possible. 

A strict attention is recommended in these particulars, to 
all who have the misfortune to labor under this complaint, 
particularly those in the decline of life ; persons frequently 
have thrown away their lives by inattention to them, while 



ULCERS. 257 

they were eulogizing and generously rewarding those whom 
they ought to have looked upon as their destroyers. The 
most proper regimen for promoting the cures of Ulcers, is to 
avoid all spices, salted and high-seasoned food, all strong 
liquors, and to lessen the usual quantity of flesh-meat. The 
bowels should be kept open by a diet consisting chiefly of 
cooling, laxative vegetables, and by drinking buttermilk, 
whey, sweetened with honey, or similar drinks. The patient 
should be kept cheerful, and take as much exercise as he can 
possibly bear. "When the bottom and sides of an Ulcer 
appear hard and callous, they may be sprinkled twice a day 
with a little red precipitate of mercury, and afterwards 
dressed with the yellow basilicon ointment. Sometimes it 
will be necessar}'" to have the edges of the Ulcer scarified with 
a lancet. Lime-water has often been known to produce very 
happy efiects in the cure of obstinate Ulcers. It may be used 
in the same manner as directed for the stone and gravel. The 
solution of corrosive sublimate of mercury in brandy, is 
highly recommended, for the cure of obstinate, ill-conditioned 
Ulcers. 

Dose, — A table spoonful night and morning ; likewise, 
washing the sore- three times a day with the same. When 
there is proud flesh present, a little pulverized mandrake 
root and blood-root, or pulverized burnt alum may be strewed 
upon the part two or three times a day. 

A fistulous Ulcer is very difiicult to cure ; an*d often requires 
an operation, or some corrosive application. It is often neces- 
sary to inject the articles used into the opening of the Ulcers by 
means of a syringe made for the purpose, which can be ob- 
tained at the druggists. 

In gangrenous Ulcers, antiseptic poultices, made as directed 
for mortification, should be employed. When the Ulcer is 
very indolent and slow to heal, it is sometimes beneficial to 
sprinkle some capsicum or its oil, or the oil of lobelia into it. 
When there is fungous flesh in it, some pulverized blood-root, 
mandrake root, and burnt alum, may also be sprinkled on it ; 
and then a poultice should be laid over the whole. 



CHAPTER Y. 
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 



SECTION I. 
COLD AND COJJGES.— (Catarrhal Affections.) 



It is usually admitted, that colds are the effect of an ob- 
structed perspiration ; it may not, however, be amiss to ob- 
serve, that nearly every cold is a kind of fever, which differs 
only in degree from some of those that have already been 
treated of. No age, sex, or constitution is exempted from 
this affection ; neither is it in the power of any medicine or 
regimen to prevent it. The inhabitants of every climate are 
liable to catch cold, nor can even the greatest circumspection 
defend them at all times from its attacks. Indeed, if the 
human body could be kept constantly in an uniform degree 
of warmth, such a thing as catching cold would be impossible : 
but as such can not be affected by any means, the perspiration 
must be liable to many changes. Such changes, however, 
when small do not affect the health; but when great they 
prove hurtful. Hence, the chief secret of preventing colds 
lies in avoiding, as far as possible, all extremes, either of heat 
or cold. 

When oppression of the chest, a stuffing of the nose, un- 
usual weariness, or a pain of the head, etc., give ground to 
believe that the perspiration is obstructed, or, in other words, 
that the person has caught cold, he should immediately lessen 
his diet, at least the usual quantity of his solid food, and ab- 
stain from all strong liquors. Instead of flesh, fish, eggs, 
milk, and other nourishing diet, he may eat light bread pud- 
ding, veal or chicken broth, panado, gruels, etc. His drink 
( 258 ) 



COLD AND COUGHS, 259 

may be water gruel sweetened with a little honey, an infusion 
of halm or linseed tea sharpened with the juice of lemon or 
orange, a decoction of barley water and licorice with tama- 
rinds^ or any other cool, diluting, acid liquor. Above all, his 
supper should be light, as weak wine whey, or water gruel 
sweetened with honey, with a little toasted bread in it. If 
honey should disagree with the stomach, use coarse sugar, and 
flavor with the jelly of currants. Those who have been ac- 
customed to strong liquors, may take wine whey instead af 
gruel, which may be sweetened as above. The patient should 
lie longer in bed than usual, to encourage a gentle sweat, 
which is easily brought on towards morning by drinking tea, 
or any kind of warm, diluting beverage. This course has 
been often known to remove a cold in one day, which, in 
all probability, had it been neglected, would have cost the 
patient's life, or confined him for some months to his bed. 
Would people sacrifice a little time to ease and warmth, and 
practice a moderate degree of abstinence when the first symp- 
toms of cold appear, we have reason to believe that most of 
the bad efiects which fiow from an obstructed perspiration 
might be prevented. But after the complaint has gathered 
strength by delay, all attempts to remove it often prove vain. 
A pleurisy, pneumonitis, or a fatal consumption of the lungs, 
are the common efiects of colds which have been either 
totally neglected or treated improperly. Many attempt to 
cure a cold by getting somewhat intoxicated ; but this, to say no 
worse of it, is a very hazardous and an indiscreet experiment. 
No doubt it may sometimes succeed, by suddenly restoring 
the perspiration ; l^ut where there is any degree of inflamma- 
tion, which is frequently the case, strong liquors, instead of 
removing the disorder, will increase it. By this means, a 
common cold may be converted into an inflammatory fever. 
When those who labor for their daily bread, have the misfor- 
tune to take cold, they can not afibrd to lose a day or two in 
order to keep themselves warm and take a little medicine, by 
which neglect the complaint is often so aggravated as to con- 
fine them for a long time, or even to render them ever after 
unable to sustain hard labor. But even such of the laboring 



260 COLD AND COUGHS. 

class as can afford to take care of themselves, are often too 
hardy to do it ; they affect to despise colds, and as long as 
they can crawl about, scorn to be confined by what they call 
a common cold. Hence it is, that colds destroy such numbers 
of mankind. Like an enemy despised, they gather strength 
from delay, till, at length they become invincible. We often 
see this verified in travelers, who, rather than lose a day in 
the prosecution of their business, throw away their lives by 
pursuing their journey with this disease upon them even in 
the coldest season. It is certain, however, that colds may be 
too much indulged. "When a person for every slight cold 
shuts himself up in a warm room, and drinks great quanti- 
ties of warm liquor, it may occasion such a general relaxation 
of the solids as will not be easily removed. It will then be 
proper, when the complaint will permit, and the weather is 
mild, to join to the regimen mentioned above, gentle exercise, 
walking, riding on horseback, or in a carriage, etc. Bathing 
the feet and legs every night in warm water, has a great tend- 
ency to restore the perspiration, but care must be taken that 
the water be not too warm, otherwise it will do harm. It 
should never be much warmer than blood warm, and the 
patient should go immediately to bed after using it. Bathing 
the feet in warm water, lying in bed, and drinking warm 
water gruel, or other weak beverages, will sooner remove the 
spasm and restore the perspiration than many hot, sudorific 
medicines. This course is usually all that is required for 
removing a common cold, and if taken at the beginning, it 
will seldom fail. But when the symptoms do not yield to 
abstinence, warmth, and diluting liquors, there is reason to 
fear the approach of some other disorder, as an inflammation 
of the breast or lungs, an ardent fever, etc. K the pulse 
therefore be hard and quick, the skin dry and hot, and the 
patient complains of his head or chest, it will be necessary to 
give the cooling cathartic powders recommended in scarlet 
fever, every three or four hours, till they produce a stool, and 
treat the patient in all respects as for a slight fever. 

There are two forms of catarrh ; the common^ called in 
ordinary language a cold, and ejpidemiG catarrJi or ijvfluema. 



COUGH. 261 

The symptoms of the common catarrh, are sense of fullness 
in the head, and of weight over the eyes, which are weak 
and watery, and muscular pains. The nostrils are obstructed, 
and pour forth a fluid. There is frequent sneezing, hoarse- 
ness of voice, cough, generally attended with expectoration, 
and frequently a sense of fullness or soreness in the fauces. 
It results from exposure and atmospheric changes. 

In epidemic catarrh or injluenza^ the attack is very sudden ; 
there is great heaviness over the eyes ; and the fever is 
attended with great depression. Its violence usually subsides 
in forty-eight hours. It is occasioned by unknown epidemic 
causes, and sometimes precedes more violent epidemics. The 
treatment consists of sudorifics, febrifuges, and laxatives. 



SECTION II. 
QOJ]Qll.—{Tussis) 



A Cough is doubtless most frequently a symptom of some 
other disorder, as pleurisy, pneumonitis, quinsy, asthma, 
catarrh, phthisic, hysteria, etc. A Cough is in some cases 
attended by expectoration, and sometimes it exists without 
any: hence the distinction of Cough into moist or raucuSy 
and dry Cough. In the mucits Cough the expectoration is 
chiefly mucus, and is excreted very freely. .It is common 
and of long continuance in aged and debilitated persons. 
The dry Cough is mostly unattended by any expectoration, 
and often returns periodically. It is observed in highly irri- 
table, nervous, and hysterical temperaments, and is obviously 
nervous. A Cough is usually the efiect of a cold which has 
either been improperly treated or entirely neglected. When 
it proves obstinate, there is always reason to fear the conse- 
quences, as this shows a weak state of the lungs, and is often 
the forerunner of a consumption. When the Cough is not 
attended with auy degree of fever, and the spittle is viscid 
and tough, sharp pectoral medicines are to be administered, 
24 



262 COUGHS. 

as gum ammoniac, squills, etc. The solution of gum ammo- 
niac may be prepared after the following manner. Let two 
drachms of gum ammoniac be well rubbed in a mortar, and a 
pint of barley water gradually poured upon it till it is quite 
dissolved. Three or four ounces of Bimple pennijroijal water 
may be added to the above quantity, and two table spoonsful 
of it taken three or four times a day, more or less, according 
to the age and constitution of the patient. 

Squills may be given in various ways. Two ounces of 
the vinegar, oxymel, or the syrup, may be mixed with the 
same cpiantity of simple cinnamon water, and an ounce of 
balsamic sirup. Two table spoonsful of this mixture may be 
taken three or four times a day. 

A sirup made of equal parts of lemon juice, honey, and 
sugar candy, is likewise very proper in this kind of Cough. 
A table spoonful of it may be taken at pleasure. But when 
the defluxion is sharp and thin, these medicines rather have 
a tendency to harm. In this case gentle opiates, oils, and 
mucilages, are more proper. A cup of an infusion of the 
leaves of the flowers o^ ivildjjoj^pies^ and marsJi-niallow root^ 
or the jloivers of colts-foot^ may be taken frequently ; or a tea 
spoonful of the paregoric elixir may be put into the patient's 
drink twice a day. 

When the Cough is occasioned by acrid humors tickling the 
throat ^\i(i fauces^ the patient should keep some soft pectoral 
lozenges almost constantly in the mouth, as the common 
balsamic lozenges, licorice ball, barley sugar, etc. These 
blunt the acrimony of the humors, and by taking off their 
stimulating quality help to appease the Cough. In obstinate 
Coughs, proceeding from a flux of humors upon the lungs, it 
will often be necessary, besides expectorating medicines, to 
have recourse to issues, setons, or some other driiin. 

In this case the most happy effects have often been wit- 
nessed from a Burgundy pitch plaster having been applied 
between the shoulders. This simple remedy has been ordered 
in a great number of cases, and in many different constitutions, 
and it has afibrded relief in most obstinate coughs, with- 



COUGHS. 263 

out an instance of failure, unless where there were evident 
signs of an ulcer in the lungs. 

About the bulk of a nutmeg of Burgundy pitch may be 
spread thin upon a piece of soft leather, about the size of the 
hand, and laid between the shoulder-blades. It may be taken 
off and wiped away every three or four days, and ought to 
be renewed once in a fortnight or three weeks. This is a 
cheap and simple remedy, and consequently apt to be de- 
spised. It has been affirmed that an application more effi- 
cacious than this can not be found, in almost any kind of 
Cough. It has not, indeed, always an immediate effect ; but 
if kept on for some time, will succeed where most other medi- 
cines fail. The only inconvenience attending this plaster 
is the itching which it occasions ; but surely this may be 
easily borne, considering the advantage which the patient may 
expect to reap from the application ; besides, when the itching 
becomes very uneasy, the plaster may be taken off and the 
part rubbed with a dry cloth, or washed with a little warm 
milk and water. Some caution indeed is necessary in dis- 
continuing the use of such a plaster; this, however, may be 
safely done in making it smaller by degrees, and at length 
quitting it altogether in a warm season. 

But Coughs proceed from many other causes besides de- 
fluxions upon the lungs. In these cases the cure is not to be 
attempted by pectoral medicines. Thus, in a Cough proceed- 
ing from foulness and debility of the stomach, sirups, oils, 
mucilages, and all kinds of balsamic medicines do injury. 
The stomach Cough may be known from one that is owing 
to a fault in the lungs by this, that in the latter the patient 
coughs whenever he inspires or draws in his breath fully, but 
in the former that does not happen. 

The cure of this Cough depends principally upon cleansing 
and strengthening the stomach ; for which purpose gentle 
emetics and bitter purgatives are the most proper. Thus, 
after one or two emetics, a tincture may be taken which is 
prepared after the following manner. Aloes four ounces, 
Virginia snake-root and ginger, each, half an ounce, infused 



264 COUGHS. 

in two quarts of white wine, permitting it to remain in a 
tight vessel one week, and then straining off, and keeping 
tight for use. 

Dose. — One or two table spoonsful twice a day, or as often 
as it is found necessary to keep the bowels gently open. This 
should be taken for a considerable time. In Coughs which 
proceed from debility of the stomach, the Peruvian bark is 
likewise of considerable service. It may be chewed, taken 
in powder, or made into a tincture with other stomach bitters. 

A nervous Cough can only be removed by change of air 
and proper exercise ; to which may be added the use of gentle 
opiates. Instead of the spontaneous pill, the paregoric elixir, 
etc., which are only opium disguised, ten, fifteen, twenty, 
or twenty-five drops of laudanum, more or less, as circum- 
stances require, may be taken at bedtime, or when the 
Cough is most troublesome. Immersing the feet and hands 
in warm water will often appease the violence of a nervous 
Cough. 

When a Cough is only the symptom of some other com- 
plaint, it is in vain to remove it without first curing the disease 
from which it proceeds. Thus, when a Cough is occasioned by 
teething., keeping the bowels open, lancing the gums, or what- 
ever facilitates the cutting of the teeth, likewise appeases the 
Cough. In like manner, when worms occasion a Cough, 
such medicines as remove these will generally cure the Cough ; 
as bitter purgatives, oily enematas, etc. The following, it is 
said, will cure many kinds of Coughs. Take equal parts of 
the loose, coarse moss, which grows on white oak, white 
maple, and white ash trees, make a strong decoction, sweeten 
and drink freely. 

Women, during the last months of pregnancy are often 
greatly afflicted with a Cough, which is generally relieved by 
bleeding and keeping the bowels open. They should avoid 
all flatulent food, and wear a loose, easy dress. A Congh is 
not only a symptom, but is often, likewise, the forerunner of 
diseases. 



WHOOPING-COUGH. 265 

SECTION III. 

WHOOPIXG-COUGH. 



This disease may be known by a convulsive, strangulating 
cough, accompanied with a peculiar, sonorous inspiration or 
whoop, returning by fits, that are usually terminated by 
vomiting; and by its being contagious. It is a complaint so 
well known, that but little description of it is deemed neces- 
sary. It may be very slight, though it is often very distress- 
ing, and sometimes fatal. It usually attacks children, and 
occurs but once ; the fits are most violent at night and morn- 
ing ; and it usuaUy lasts six weeks or more. Children who 
live on thin, watery diet, breathe unwholesome air, and have 
too little exercise, are most liable to this complaint, and usu- 
ally sufier most fi-om it. 

Regimen. — ^Whatever injures the digestion, obstructs the 
perspiration, or relaxes the solids, disposes to this disease ; 
consequently its cure must depend upon cleansing and strength- 
ening the stomach, giving tone to the solids, and at the same 
time promoting perspiration and the diflerent secretions. The 
clothing should be warm ; and the diet must be light and of 
easy digestion ; for children, good bread made into pap, toast, 
or pudding, chicken broth, with other light spoon-meats, are 
proper ; but those who are further advanced may be allowed 
sago gruel, and if the fever be not high, a little boiled chicken, 
or other white meats. The drink may be hyssop.^ or penny- 
royal tea, sweetened with honey or white sugar candy, and 
weak wine whey. One of the most effectual remedies in the 
Whooping-cough is change of air. This often removes the 
malady, even when the change appears to be from a purer to 
a less wholesome air. This may in some measure depend on 
the patient's being removed from the place where the infection 
prevails. Most of the diseases of children are infectious ; 
nor is it at all uncommon to find the Whooping-cough pre- 
vailinof in one town or villao-e, when another at a verv small 



2G6 WHOOPING-COUGH. 

distance is quite free from it. Bu4 whatever be the cause, we 
are sure of the fact. Ko time should therefore be lost in re- 
moving the patient at some distance from the place where 
he caught the disease, and, if possible, into a more pure and 
warmer atmosphere. 

Treatment. — It is usually considered a favorable symptom 
when a fit of coughing makes the patient vomit. This 
cleanses the stomach and greatly relieves the cough. It will, 
therefore, be proper to promote this discharge, by warm 
chamomile tea, or lukewarm water ; and when these are not 
sufiicient, small doses of ipecacuanlia may be given. A 
child five years old may take seven or eight grains ; and to 
others more or less must be given, according to their age and 
strength. Half a drachm of this may be infused in half a 
pint of boiling water, and a small tea cupful gii^n every 
fifteen minutes, till it operates. TVhen they begin to vomit 
there will be no occasion for drinking any more, as the water 
already on the stomach will be sufficient. 

Emetics not only cleanse the stomach, which in this dis- 
order is usually loaded with viscid phlegm, but they likewise 
promote the perspiration and other secretions ; and should 
therefore be repeated according to the obstinacy of the com- 
plaint. They should not, however, be too strong; gentle 
emetics frequently repeated are both less dangerous and more 
beneficial than strong ones. As the complaint is sometimes 
attended with constipation, it will be proper to keep the 
bowels gently open. Perhaps the best medicines for this pur- 
pose are rhicbarb and its preparations, as the sirup, tincture, 
etc. Of these a tea spoonful or two may be given to an infant 
two or three times a day, as occasion requires. To such as 
are further advanced, the dose must be proportionately in- 
creased, and repeated till it has the desired eflfect. Those who 
can not make up their minds to take the bitter tincture, may 
have an infusion oi senna and prunes, sweetened with manna., 
coarse sugar, or honey ; or a few grains of rhuharh mixed 
with a tea spoonful or two of sirup, or currant jelly, so as to 
disguise the taste. 



WHOOPING-COUGH. 267 

Many persons have an idea that oily, pectoral, and balsamic 
medicines possess wonderful virtues for the cure of Whooping- 
cough, and accordingly administer them freely to patients of 
every age and constitution, without considering that every 
thing of this nature must load the stomach, hurt the digestion, 
and naturally aggravate the complaint. 

Opiates are sometimes requisite to allay the violence of the 
cough. For this purpose a little of the sirup of poppies, or 
seven, eight, or nine drops of laudanum, according to the age 
and constitution of the patient, may be taken in a cup of 
hyssop or pennyroyal tea, and repeated occasionally. The 
garlic ointment is an excellent application in this complaint. 
It is made by beating in a mortar garlic with an equal quan- 
tity of hog's lard. With this the soles of the feet may be 
rubbed two or three times a day ; but the best method is to 
spread it upon a cloth, and apply in the form of a plaster. 
It should be applied every night and morning at least, as the 
garlic soon loses its virtue. It is not only excellent in this 
complaint, but in most other coughs of an obstinate character. 
It ought not, however, to be used when the patient is very 
hot or feverish, lest it increase these symptoms. The feet 
should be bathed once in two or three days in lukewarm 
water, and a Burgundy pitch plaster kept constantly between 
the shoulders. When the disorder proves very severe, it will 
be necessary, instead, to apply a blistering plaster, and to keep 
the part running for some time with issue ointment. 

When the malady is prolonged, and the patient is free 
from fever, the Peruvian lark and other bitters are the most 
suitable medicines. The bark may be either taken in sub- 
stance, or by way of decoction or infusion, at the pleasure of 
the patient. For a child, twelve, fifteen, or twenty-five grains, 
according to the age of the patient, may be administered 
three or four times a day ; for an adult, half a drachm, or two 
scruples will be a suitable dose. It will be found useful to 
administer a few grains of castor oil along with the bark. A 
child eight or nine years of age, may take ten grains of cas- 
tor oil with twenty grains of powdered bark, for a dose. This 
may be formed into a mixture with tv/o or three ounces of 



268 CROUP. 

any simple distilled water and a little sirup, and taken three 
or four times a day. The following will sometimes alleviate 
the spasm : Mix a tea spoonful of castor oil with a table 
spoonful of molasses. 

Dose — Give a tea spoonful whenever the cough is trouble- 
some. 



SECTION IV. 
CEOUP. — {CynancJie Laryngitis^ Cynanclie^ Tracheitis.) 



This disease is characterized by a violent inflammation about 
the windpipe and mucus tissues, although the complaint as- 
sumes different forms. 

Symptoms. — It is confined principally to the period of 
childhood, or before the fifth year. It is generally accompa- 
nied by laborious and suffocating breathing, stridulous noise, 
a short and dry cough, and frequently, toward the close, an 
expectoration of a concrete, membranous sputum. The acute 
Croup usually begins with hoarseness, a slight cough and sneez- 
ing, as though the patient had taken cold. To these symptoms, 
in a day or two, and sometimes in a few hours, succeed a 
peculiar shrillness and ringing of the voice, as if the sound 
■were sent throus-h a brazen tube. At the same time there is 
a sense of pain about the larynx, some difiiculty of respira- 
tion, with a wheezing sound in inspiration, as if the passage 
of the air were straitened. The cough which attends it is 
sometimes dry ; and if any thing be spit up, it is matter of 
a purulent appearance, and sometimes films, resembling por- 
tions of a membrane. Together with these symptoms, there 
is a frequency of the pulse, a restlessness, and an uneasy 
sense of heat. 

Causes. — The effect of a north-east wind in early spring or 
fall ; yet with those who are disposed to it, almost any sudden 



BRONCHITIS. 269 

transition, which shall too suddenly arrest the perspiration, 
will be attended by the same consequences. It prevails to a 
great extent near the sea-coast, and in wet, marshy districts. 

Treatment. — Emetics are very valuable ; and in many 
instances have speedily removed the cause. Immediately 
upon the first indication of the disease, a full dose of tartar 
emetic should be given, or one of ipecac, or lobelia. One of 
the principle remedies now in use, and which, in many in- 
stances, has acted with decided advantage, is large and re- 
peated doses of calomel. Of this, not less than five or six 
grains are generally given to very young children, and con- 
tinued every two or three hours, till there is a discharge of 
green, bilious matter, which appears to be the criterion of its 
having taken efiect. If the disease still continues, the appli- 
cation of a blister upon the back of the neck, or between the 
shoulders may be very profitable. Other means of counter 
irritation are also to be employed. A piece of linen cloth 
saturated in sweet oil, butter, or lard, and sprinkled with yel- 
low Scotch snuff, is said to have performed wonderful cures in 
cases of croup; it should be placed where the distress is 
greatest. For a sudden attack of quinsy or Croup, bathe the 
neck with bear's grease, and pour it down the throat freely. 
Goose grease may be considered as good as bear's oil. 



SECTION y. 
WSSMQ'Eni^.— {Inflammation of the BroncUa.) 



There are two forms of this disease ; the acute and chronic. 
It is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the bronchial 
tubes. In the acute form, it sometimes commences in the 
bronchial tubes themselves, and sometimes extends to them 
from the trachea. In the majority of cases, the complaint 
arises from exposure to cold, and it is then usually accompa- 
nied with coryza, and a general inflammatory state of the 



270 BRONCHITIS. 

mucous membrane of the nose, frontal sinuses, and windpipe. 
Acute Bronchitis, in its lighter and more common form, is 
not a serious affection, and amounts in fact to nothing more 
than what is termed " a cold on the chest." 

Symptoms. — Tliis disorder commences with difficult respi- 
ration, or shortness of breath, hoarseness, rattling, with wheez- 
ing, or coarse, rough sounds in the chest. It is also attended 
with fever, chilliness, and distressing cough, etc. This state 
of things having continued for some days, the patient usually 
begins to recover, or becomes very rapidly worse. 

In those cases where the disease takes an unfavorable turn, 
a state of great debility and collapse supervenes very suddenly 
to that of excitement. Where the event is to be favorable, 
Acute Bronchitis often runs on for a week or more, before 
a change for the better takes place ; but in fatal cases, the 
stage of collapse usually commences within four or five days, 
and in some instances the complaint is very rapid in its pro- 
gress, death ensuing within fortj^-eight hours from the first 
attack. 

Emetics are highly recommended in Acute Broncliitis. At 
the commencement, in the cases of young children, they are 
very beneficial, by exciting expectoi-ation. 

Blisters and counter irritation are serviceable, after the first 
violence of the fever is over. Yery small doses of {jpeoac- 
lean ha and diaphoretics by antimony, are highly necessary. 

Where it is considered necessary, a full active purgative 
should be given, as a dose of calomel and jalap ; and the 
bowels should be kept free throughout the course of the 
disease. 

Large doses of tartar emetic are recommended to be given 
in this complaint, in the same manner as in pneumonia ; and 
the exhalation of vapors is oftentimes, likewise, of service. 

CHRONIC BEOXCniTIS. 

Chronic Bronchitis is of a much milder character, and its 
symptoms continue longer ; the duration of which varies from 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 271 

one week to many years. The expectorated matter is of en- 
tirely a different character, being, in this disease, of a thicker 
consistence, opaque, and of a greenish or yellowish-white 
color, and sometimes streaked with blood. It occurs at all 
ages, but attacks the largest number of elderly persons. In 
its milder forms, it is scarcely noticed in the summer time ; 
but in the winter, or when there is much inclement weather, 
the patient is apt to be afflicted with a very trying cough, 
and copious viscid expectoration, especially in the morning. 
In its severer forms, it is of a still more distressing character. 

At an early period, blisters and the tartar emetic oint- 
ment are of great service, and should be frequently applied ; 
throughout the course of the malady they are useful occasional 
exacerbations. Where the disease proves obstinate, and the 
patient has sufficient strength, issues and setons may be very 
advantageously used ; but in the advanced stage, or where 
the constitution is feeble, their effect is much too exhausting. 

Digitalis and colcJiicum are sometimes recommended, 
where there is too much irritation ; squill and ijpecacuanha^ 
with the terebinthine balsams, are considered the best expec- 
torants, but proper attention to air and diet are most servic- 
able. Inhalation of tar vapor is also recommended. 



SECTION VI. 

IXFLAMMATIOK OF THE Lir:N^GS. 

{Pneumonia. — Lung Fever.) 



This is a complaint which very often proves fatal to those 
who have a flat breast or narrow chest, and to such as have 
previously suffered with asthma, especially in the decline 
of life. As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely 
necessary to life, it must always be attended with danger. The 
pleurisy and pneumonia are often complicated. 

Symptoms. — It is indicated by cough, fever, difficult res- 
piration, quick pulse, and a sense of weight and pain in the 



272 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

thorax. Many of the symptoms of a pleurisy likewise attend 
an inflammation of the lungs ; only in the latter the pulse is 
more soft, and the pain less acute ; but the difficulty of breath- 
ing, and oppression of the chest, are usually greater. It 
generally attacks those of a plethoric habit and vigorous con- 
stitution, and occurs oftener in the winter and spring seasons 
of the year. In the beginning, the cough is often dry, and 
without expectoration : but in some instances it is moist, even 
from the first, and the matter expectorated varies both in 
color and consistence, and is often streaked with blood. The 
crisis usually terminates in about twelve days. 

Treatnunt. — In the early period of this complaint, we 
may be encouraged, by active measures, to bring about im- 
mediate resolution ; but when it is more advanced, we must 
look for a discharge by expectoration, as the means of restor- 
ing the part to a healthy state. In the first instance, the 
bowels must be well evacuated, and subsequently kept reg- 
ular ; and antimonials may be administered with great 
advantage, to promote the discharge from the skin and lungs. 

In the treatment of this disease, very large doses of tartar 
emetic has been particularly recommended. Digitalis^ also, 
is well calculated to lessen the activity of the circulation. 
After the forcible febrile symptoms have subsided, counter- 
irritation is of great service. 

Regimen. — As the medicine and regimen are in all respects 
the same in pneumonia as in pleurisy, it will not be nec- 
essary here to repeat them, but refer the reader to that dis- 
ease. It may not be improper, however, to add, that the 
aliment should be lighter and thinner in this than in any 
other inflammatory disorder. It has been asserted that even 
common whey is sufficient to support the patient, and that 
decoctions of barley, and infusions of fennel roots in warm 
water with milk, are the most suitable, both for beverage and 
nourishment. The steam of warm water, taken in by the 
breath, is likewise recommended : which serves as an internal 
fomentation, and aids to attenuate the impacted humors. 



PLEUEisr. 273 

If the patient lias loose stools, and is not weakened by 
them, they are not to be stopped, but rather promoted by the 
use of emollient enematas. It may be necessary to aid the 
expectoration by some mild balsamic medicine, recommend- 
ed for that purpose in pleurisy. Blistering plasters have 
proved very advantageous, and should be employed at an 
early period. They may be either applied to the neck or 
ankles, or both, if necessary. 

When an Inflammation of the Lungs does not yield to 
blistering and other evacuations, it usually terminates in sup- 
puration, which is more or less dangerous, according to the 
part where it is situated. Where this takes place in the 
pleura, it sometimes breaks outwardly, and the matter is dis- 
charged by the wound. When the suppuration occurs within 
the substance or body of the lungs, the matter may be dis- 
charged by expectoration. But if the matter floats in the 
cavity of the breast, between the pleura and lungs, it can only 
be discharged by an incision made between the ribs. 

If the patient's strength does not return after the inflam- 
mation is to all appearance removed ; if bis pulse is quick, 
though soft, his breathing difficult and oppressed ; if he has 
cold shiverings at times, his cheeks flushed, his lips dry; and 
if he complains of thirst and want of appetite ; there is rea- 
son to fear a suppuration, and that a phthisis, or consumption 
of the lungs will ensue. 

The spurious pneumonia results from a viscid pituitous 
matter, obstructing the vessels of the lungs. It usually attacks 
the aged, infirm, and phlegmatic, in winter or wet seasons. 
If relief is not afibrded in time, and the inflammation pro- 
ceeds with violence, it will often produce sufibcation. 



SECTION yii. 
TLEJJmSY. —iPleuritis.) 



The regular Pleurisy is an inflammation of that membrane 
called the pleura, which lines the inside of the breast, or 



274 PLEURISY. 

chest. There is likewise another form of this disease, which 
is called the spurious pleurisy, in which the pain is more ex- 
ternal, and principally affects the muscles between the ribs. 
This fever prevails among the laboring class of people, espe- 
cially such as work without doors, and are of a sanguine con- 
stitution. It occurs mostly in the spring season. 

Symptoms. — This fever, like most others, usually begins 
with an acute stitching, catching, cutting, lancinating pain 
in the side, and is greatly aggravated by coughing, or by 
drawing in the breath ; chilliness and shivering, which are 
followed by heat and thirst. Sometimes the pain extends 
towards the backbone, sometimes towards the front part of 
the chest, and at other times towards the shoulder-blades. 
When the substance of the lungs as well as the pleura is 
affected, the case is called pleuro-peripneumony. The tongue 
is parched ; cough short and dry ; pulse quick and hard ; 
urine scanty and high colored. If blood is drawn and per- 
mitted to stand for a short time, it will be covered with a 
tough crust or buffy coat. The patient's spittle is at first thin, 
but afterwards it becomes thick, and is often streaked with 
blood. 

Causes. — This disease is occasioned by cold northerly 
winds; exposure to cold, or by whatever obstructs the per- 
spiration ; drinking cold liquors when the body is in a heated 
state ; sleeping where there is dampness ; wet clothes ; plung- 
ing the body into cold water, or exposing it to the cold air 
when covered with perspiration, etc. It may also be occa- 
sioned by drinking strong liquors ; by the cessation of usual 
evacuations, as chronic ulcers, issues, sweating of the hands 
and feet, etc, ; the sudden striking in of any eruption, as the 
measles, small-pox, or itch. A pleurisy may likewise be 
caused by violent exercise, as jumping, running, wrestling, 
blows on the chest, or by lifting great weights, etc. The very 
formation of the body sometimes renders persons more sub- 
ject to this disease, as a narrow chest, a straitness of the 
arteries of the pleura, etc. 



PLEURISY. 275 

Regimen. — Nature usually endeavors to carry off this dis- 
ease by a critical discharge of blood from some part of the 
body, by expectoration, sweat, loose stools, thick urine, etc. 
We should therefore second her intentions by lessening the 
force of the circulation, relaxing the vessels, diluting the 
humors, and promoting expectoration. For these purposes 
the diet, as in the former disease, must be cool, weak, and 
diluting. His drink must be sweet whey, or decoctions and 
infusions of pectoral and balsamic vegetables, which may 
be prepared after the following manner : Take a quarter of 
an ounce of licorice root sliced, half an ounce of the leaves 
of Golfs-foot^ and two table spoonsful of linseed. Put these 
ingredients in a close vessel, pour on them a quart of boiling 
water, and let them stand near a fire for eight or ten hours ; 
afterwards strain off the liquor ; of which the patient may 
take a tea cupful frequently for his ordinary drink. This may 
be flavored to the patient's taste by the addition of a little 
jelly of currants, or juice of bitter oranges, etc. The patient 
must avoid every thing that is hard of digestion by way of 
food, and that is viscid, or affords much nourishment, as flesh, 
eggs, milk, butter, cheese, and likewise every thing that is of 
a stimulating nature. The decoction of figs, raisins, and 
barley, etc., are likewise recommended for his beverage. 
These and other diluting drinks are not to be used in large 
quantities at a time, but the patient should, in a manner, 
keep continually sipping them, so as to render the mouth and 
throat always moist. Barley water, mixed with* a little honey 
or the jelly of currants is a very suitable drink in this fever. 
It is made by boiling an ounce of pearl barley in three pints 
of water down to two ; it must afterwards be strained. All 
the patient's food and drink must be taken a little warm. 
The hands and feet of the patient should be bathed once a 
day in warm water ; he may sit up in bed a short time in 
order to relieve his head. He should be kept cool, comforta- 
ble, and in every way quiet. 

Treatment. — The treatment of this fever consists in the 
application of leeches, purgatives, diaphoretics, blisters, and 



276 PLEURISY. 

a strict antiphlogistic regimen. Emollient fomentations may 
be applied to the side. These may be made by boiling a 
handful of the common mallows^ cJiamomUe and elder Jfmcers^ 
or any other soft vegetables, in a proper quantity of water. 
The herbs may be put into a flannel bag, and applied a3 
warm to the side as the patient can bear. As this grows 
cool, it should be changed by dipping another in some of the 
hot liquid kept for the purpose ; and gi^eat care must be 
taken that the patient does not take cold at the time. Fo- 
mentations not only relax the vessels, but alleviate the pain, 
and prevent stagnation of blood and other humors. The 
side may likewise be frequently rubbed with a little of the 
volatile liniment, which is made by shaking together in a 
bottle, two ounces of oil of olives, or almonds, and one ounce 
of spirit of hartshorn, till they be perfectly united. An appli- 
cation of the petals oijpojypies^ which have been in rum, some- 
times prove veiy beneficial. Leaves of various kinds might 
be applied to the patient's side with advantage ; great benefit 
has been derived from a warm application of young cahhage 
leuves to the side in this complaint. These not only relax the 
parts, but also draw off a little moisture, and may prevent the 
necessity of blistering plasters, which, however, when other 
things fail, must be applied. If the bowels be in a constipated 
state, an enema of thin water gruel, in which a handful of inal- 
lows^ or any other emollient vegetable has been boiled, may 
be daily administered. This will not only empty the bowels, 
but have the effect of a warm fomentation applied to the in- 
ferior viscera, which will help to make a derivation from the 
breast. The expectoration or spitting, may be promoted by 
acid, oily, and mucilaginous medicines. Should squills dis- 
agree with the stomach, two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, 
or oil of olives, and two ounces of the sirup of violets^ 
may be mixed with as much white sugar as will form it to 
the consistence of honey. The patient may take a tea spoon- 
ful of this frequently, when the cough is troublesome. Should 
oily medicines prove nauseous, which is sometimes the case, 
a solution of gum ammoniac in barley water may be admin- 
istered : which is prepared after the following 



PLEURISY. 277 

Take two draclims of gum ammoniac that has been well 
ground or rubbed, pour upon it gradually till all is dissolved, 
one pint of barley water. This emulsion is used for attenuating 
tough, viscid phlegm, and promoting expectoration. In obsti- 
nate coughs, two ounces of the syrup of poppies may be 
added. 

J)ose. — Two table spoonsful three or four times a day. If 
the patient has no perspiration upon the skin, but on the con- 
traiy, it is dry and burning, with scanty urine, small doses 
of nitre and camphor will be found useful. Two drachms of 
the former may be rubbed with five or six grains of the latter 
in a mortar, and the whole divided into six doses, one of 
which may be given in the patient's ordinary beverage, every 
five or six hours. 

The decoction of seneka snake-root is a medicine consid- 
ered by some to be possessed of almost sovereign efficacy 
in the relief of Pleurisy or pneumonia. 

Dose. — Two table spoonsful four times a day,^if the patient 
can bear it, or from ten to thirty grains of the powder at a 
dose. The patient may take this, after other evacuations 
have been premised ; and if it should occasion vomiting, two 
or three ounces of simple cinnamon water may be mixed with 
the quantity of the decoction here directed, or with the pow- 
der, or it may be taken in smaller doses. 

As this medicine promotes perspiration and urine, and also 
keeps the bowels free, it is well calculated to answer many of 
the intentions of cure in Pleurisy, or any other inflammation 
of the breast. 

No person will imagine that these medicines are all to be 
used at the same time ; difierent things have been named for 
the purpose, that people may have an opportunity to select ; 
and also, when one can not be obtained, they may make 
use of another. Difierent medicines are doubtless necessary 
in difierent stages of the complaint ; and where one proves 
futile, or disagrees with the patient, it will be proper to try 
another. 

25 



278 ASTHMA. 

When this fever attains its height, or crisis, it is some- 
times accompanied with very terrifying indications, as an in- 
termittent pulse, convulsive motions, difficult respiration, etc. 
These frequently excite the attendants, and induce them to 
make some other experiments, as depletion, or admiDistering 
to the patient strong stimulating medicines, etc. But these 
are odIv strufrsfles of Nature to overcome the disease, iu 
which she should be assisted by plenty of diluting drink, 
which is then peculiarly necessary. If the patient's strength, 
however, be much exhausted by the disease, it will be nec- 
essary at this time to support him with frequent small 
draughts of wine whey. 

After the patient has recovered sufficient strength, and the 
pain and fever are gone, it will be proper to administer some 
gentle purges ; he should likewise make use of a light diet, 
of easy digestion, and his drink should be buttermilk, whey, 
and other thino;s of a cleansino; character. 



SECTION YIII 
ASTHMA. 



Asthma is distinguished into the moist and dry, or hu- 
moral and nervous. The former is accompanied with expec- 
toration, or spitting; but in the latter, the patient seldom 
spits, unless sometimes a little tough phlegm-, by the mere 
force of couo;hinor. This is a disease which seldom admits 
of a cure ; and persons in the decline of life are most liable 
to it. 

Symptoms. — This malady is characterized by a quick, 
laborious respiration, occurring in paroxysms, accompanied 
with cough, suffocation and wheezing, and terminating in 
expectoration, more or less copious. In the beginning of the 
paroxysm there is a cough, hoarseness, inability to sleep, 



ASTHMA. 279 

flatulency, headache, heaviness over the eyes, and difficulty 
of breathing. These are succeeded by heat, fever, sickness 
and nausea, a sense of weight, and great oppression about the 
lungs and chest ; a weak, and sometimes intermitting pulse ; 
an involuntary flow of tears, palpitation of the heart, bilious 
vomitings, etc. All these symptoms are greatly aggravated 
towards night. The patient finds more relief up, than in bed, 
and is very desirous of cool air. 

Causes. — This is sometimes caused by the fumes of metals 
or minerals having been taken into the lungs ; the obstruc- 
tions of customary evacuations, as the menses, hemorrhoids, 
etc.; violent exercise, especially running; violent passions of 
the mind, as sudden fear, or surprise. It may likewise pro- 
ceed from a peculiar formation of the chest ; the sudden 
retrocession of rheumatic afiections, or striking in of erup- 
tions, as the small-pox, measles, etc. This is sometimes 
hereditapy, and the disease may proceed from any cause that 
either impedes the circulation of the blood through the lungs, 
or prevents their being expanded by the air. 

Regimen. — It is necessary that the food should be light 
and of easy digestion. All flatulent food, or whatever kind 
is calculated to distend the stomach, is to be avoided. Light 
puddings, white broths, and ripe fruits baked, roasted or 
boiled, are very suitable. Boiled meats are to be preferred 
to roasted, and the flesh of young animals to that of old. 
Strong liqnors of all kinds, especially malt liquor, is inju- 
rious. The patient should eat a very light supper, or rather, 
none at all. His clothing should be warm, especially in the 
winter season. As all affections of the chest and lungs are 
much relieved by keeping the feet warm and dry, and pro- 
moting perspiration, a red flannel shirt, or waist-cover- 
ing, may be worn next the skin, which will be found of 
singular service. But pure and moderately warm air, is 
of the greatest importance in Asthma, together with the 
exercise of riding on horseback, or in a carriage upon rough 
ground, as much as the patient can possibly bear; this course 



280 ASTHMA. 

continued for some months, will often effect a cure, where 
medicines prove of no avail. 

Persons afflicted with this complaint, can seldom bear 
either the sharp, keen atmosphere of a bleak, hilly country, 
or the close, heavy air of a large town. The air, however, 
near a large town is often better than at a distance, provided 
the patient is removed so far as not to be affected by the 
smoke. Some Asthmatic patients, indeed, breathe easier in 
town than in the country ; but this is seldom the case, especi- 
ally in towns where much coal is burned. Asthmatic persons 
who are obliged to be in town all day, ought, at least, to sleep 
out of it. Even this will he found often of great utility. 
Those who can afford it should travel into a warmer climate. 
There are many persons troubled with this complaint who 
can not live in the north, yet enjoy very good health in the 
south. 

Treatment. — About all that can be done by medicine in this 
malady is to relieve the patient when seized with a violent 
paroxysm. This, indeed, requires the greatest expedition, as 
the complaint often proves suddenly fatal. During the parox- 
ysm the bowels are usually constipated ; a clyster ought, 
therefore, to be administed ; this should be a solution of asa- 
foetida, and if there is occasion, it may be repeated two or 
three times. The patient's feet and legs should be immersed 
in warm water, and afterwards rubbed with a warm hand, or 
dry cloth. Should the spasms be severe about the chest or 
stomach, warm fomentations, or bladders filled with warm 
milk and water, may be applied to the part affected, and warm 
cataplasms to the soles of the feet. The patient must drink 
freely of diluting drinks, and may take a tea spoonful of the 
tincture of castor and saffron^ mixed together, in a cup of 
valerian tea, two or three times a day. Sometimes an emetic 
has a very good effect, and snatches the patient, as it were, 
from the jaws of death. This, however, will be more safe 
after other evacuations have been premised. 

In the moist Asthma, such things as promote expectoration 
or spitting should be employed, as gum ammoniac, the sirup 



ASTHMA. 281 

of squills^ etc. A common spoonful of the sirup, or oxymel 
of squills^ together with an equal quantity of cinnamon 
water, may be administered three or four times a day ; and 
four or five pills, made of equal parts of asafoetida and gum 
ammoniac, may be taken every night upon retiring. In the 
convulsive or nervous Asthma, antispasmodics and tonics are 
the most useful medicines. Peruvian harh may be profitably 
administered in this case ; and the patient may take a tea 
spoonful of the paregoric elixir twice a day. 

It is considered that every thing which strengthens the 
nerves, or removes the paroxysms, may be of service in ner- 
vous Asthma. It has been proved also, that cow's milk, drank 
warm every morning, has produced a very good eSect in this 
complaint. 

In every species of Asthma, setons and issues are very 
useful. They may either be set in the back or side, and 
should never be permitted to dry up. 

We shall here, lastly observe, that not only in Asthma, 
but in most chronic diseases, issues are extremely beneficial. 
They are a safe^ as well as an efficacious remedy ; and though 
they do not always cure the disease, yet they prolong the 
patient's life. The tincture of ipecac.^ -or lobelia^ may be 
given in this malady till it produces nausea without vomiting. 



SECTION IX. 
SPITTING OF '^'LOOV^.—iRcBmoptysis^^ 



The intention here, is to treat of that discharge of blood 
from the lungs merely, which is called hcBmojJtoe^ or Spitting 
of Blood. Persons of a lax fiber, and slender make, who 
have long necks and straight chests, are most liable to this 
disease. It mostly occurs in the spring, and usually attacks 
persons before they arrive at the prime or middle period of 
life. It has often been observed, that those who have been 



282 SPITTING OF BLOOD. 

subject to bleediog at the nose when young are afterwards 
more liable to hsemoptoe. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms which precede this complaint, 
are a difScult respiration, hacking congh; a sense of weight 
and oppression of the chest, and hoarseness ; these are some- 
times succeeded with pains in the back and loins ; coldness 
of the extremities, with shivering, flatulence, costiveness, 
extreme lassitude, etc. As these indicate a general stricture 
upon the vessels, and a tendency of the blood to inflammation, 
they are usually the prognostics of a very copious discharge. 

Discharges of blood from the gums or fauces, are not 
attended with the above symptoms, by which means they 
may always be distinguished from an hsemoptoe. The blood 
that is spit up is sometimes thick, and of a dark color, at 
other times it is thin, and of a florid red color; nothing, 
however, can be inferred from this circumstance, but that the 
blood has lain a longer or shorter time in the breast before it 
was discharged. When a vigorous, healthy person, of a 
strong constitution, is attacked with Spitting of Blood, it is 
not usually dangerous ; but when it attacks those of a weak, 
lax fiber, or of a tender and delicate frame, it is with difii- 
culty removed. When it proceeds from a scirrhus or polypus 
of the lungs it is unfavorable. Wlien the extravasated blood 
is not spit up, but lodges in the chest, it corrupts and greatly 
increases the danger. When it is caused from an ulcer in the 
lungs, it usually proves fatal. 

Causes. — This is sometimes occasioned by external violence ; 
calculus matter irritating and eroding the vessels : sometimes 
by congestion, or a plethoric state of the vessels of the lungs, 
or by the suppression of some customary evacuation, as the 
bleeding piles in men, or the menses in women, etc. It may 
be produced by excess of blood, from a peculiar weakness of 
the lungs, or an ill conformation of the chest. It is often 
caused by running, wrestling, speaking loud, singing, or 
excessive drinking. Those who have weak lungs, should 
avoid all violent exertions of that organ, as they value life. 



SPITTING OF BLOOD. 283 

They should, likewise, guard against all violent emotions 
of the mind, excessive drinking, and every thing that pro- 
duces a rapid circulation of the blood. When it is the effect 
of a loDg and violent cough, it is usually the harbinger of 
consumption. A violent degree of cold suddenly applied to 
the external parts of the body will occasion an hsemoptoe. It 
may likewise be occasioned by breathing air which is too 
much rarefied to be able properly to expand the lungs. This 
is often the case with those who work in hot places, as fur- 
naces, glass-houses, etc. Spitting of Blood is not always to 
be considered as a primary complaint. It is often only a 
symptom, and in some cases, not an unfavorable one ; this 
being the case in pleurisy, peripneumony, and many fevers. 
In scurvy, dropsy, or consumption, it is an unfavorable symp- 
tom, and indicates that the lungs are ulcerated. 

Regimen. — The strictest silence should be enjoined upon 
the patient, or at least he should speak in a very low voice ; 
and should be kept cool and easy ; every thing that heats the 
body or quickens the circulation increases the danger. Every 
occasion that has a tendency to excite the passions should be 
avoided, and his mind, moreover, should be soothed. The 
diet should be light, soft, and cooling, as rice boiled with 
milk, weak broths, barley gruels, panado, etc. The diet, in 
this case, can scarce be too low. Even water gruel is suf- 
ficient to support the patient for some days. All strong 
liquors must be avoided. The patient's beyerage may be 
milk and water, whey, buttermilk, etc. Every thing should 
be drank cold, and in small quantities at once. 

Treatment.— ^\i\^.^ like other involuntary discharges of blood, 
should not be too suddenly stopped by astringent medicines. 
A greater amount of injury is sometimes done by this course, 
than if it were permitted to go on. It may, however, pro- 
ceed so far as to reduce the patient's strength, and even to 
endanger his life, in which case proper means should be used 
for restraining it. The bowels should be kept open by a 
laxative diet, as roasted apples, stewed prunes, etc. If these 
should not produce the desired effect, a small quantity of 



284 SPITTING OF BLOOD. 

some lenitive medicine may be given. If the patient is 
feverish, small doses of nitre may be administered, which 
will be of service ; a scruple, or half a drachm may be put 
into the patient's drink three times a day, and immediately 
given. His beverage may likewise be acidulated so as to 
quench the thirst, (without too much liquid being taken,) by 
the juice of lemon, or a few drops of sulphuric acid ; or he 
may take frequently a cup of the tincture of roses. The feet 
and legs may be bathed in lukewarm water, which will like- 
wise produce a very good effect in this disease. Sometimes 
opiates are very profitable ; but these must be administered 
with caution. Ten or twelve drops of laudanum may be 
given twice a day, in a cup of barley water, and continued 
for some time, provided they be found beneficial. The con- 
serve oi roses will likewise be found an excellent medicine in 
this case, provided it be taken in sufficient quantity and long 
enough persisted in. It may be taken to the quantity of three 
or four ounces a day ; and if the patient be troubled with a 
cough it should be made into an electuary with some balsamic 
sirup, and a little of the sirups o^ poppies. Those who are 
subject to frequent attacks of this disease, should avoid all 
excess, and vigorous eftbrts of the body, and also all violent 
agitations of mind. The tincture of digitalis may be ad- 
ministered with great advantage in this complaint, particu- 
larly where the pulse is very quick, from its sedative influence 
upon the heart and arteries. 

Dose. — Eight or ten drops night and morning ; this should 
be used with great caution, as an overdose often becomes 
suddenly dangerous. 

Antimonials, when given in nauseating doses, sometimes 
have an excellent action, as well by promoting diaphoresis, as 
by checking the force of the circulation. Astringents, especi- 
ally acetate of lead, with opium, or supersulphate of potass, are 
very useful. The shower bath, and cold bathing, have some- 
times proved of great use. But we consider fine salt to be 
the most effectual remedy in this complaint, and have proved 
its efficacy by administration in quite a number of instances* 



VOMITING OF BLOOD. 285 

Dose, — A tea spoonful should be swallowed every half hour 
till the bleeding is arrested ; and it should be repeated every 
twenty hours to prevent another attack, till the patient has 
sufficiently recovered. This is equally beneficial in hemorr- 
hage or 'bleeding of the lungs^ or vomiting of Uood. 



SECTION X. 
YOMITIXG OF B'LOOTi.— {Hemorrhage from the Lungs.) 



The symptoms, causes, and treatment here, are very nearly 
allied to those in the preceding disease. This complaint is 
not so common as the other discharges of blood, which have 
already been mentioned ; but it requires special attention, as 
it is very dangerous. It is sometimes, however, periodical ; 
in which case it is less dangerous. In hysterics, Vomiting of 
Blood is quite frequent, but by no means an alarming symp- 
tom. A great part of the danger in this disorder arises from 
the extravasated blood having lodged in the bowels, and 
become putrid, by which means a dysentery or putrid fever 
may be occasioned. The best method for preventing this, is 
to keep the bowels gently open, by frequently employing 
emollient enemata. Purges must not be given till the dis- 
charge is stopped, otherwise the}^ will irritate the stomach and 
increase the disorder. All the food and drink must be of a 
mild, cooling nature, and taken in small quantities. Even 
drinking cold water has sometimes proved a remedy, but it 
will succeed the better when acidulated with a few drops 
of weak sulphuric acid. Opiates may be of utility; but 
they must be given in very small doses, as four or five drops 
of laudanum, two or three times a day. After the discharge 
is over, as the patient is usually troubled with griping pains, 
occasioned by the acrimony of the blood lodged in the intes- 
tines, gentle purges will be found of great utility. 



286 CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 



SECTION XI. 

COXSUMPTIOX OF THE LUXGS. 

{PJitJdsis Puhnonalis.) 



This is for the most part a hereditary disease, occnrriDg iu 
cold, changeable climates, or Dear the sea-coast, which may 
be excited bj almost every cause. It usually attacks persons 
between the age of fourteen and thirty. Consumption is a 
wasting or decay of the whole body from an ulcer, tubercles, 
or concretions of the lungs, an empyema, a nervous atrophy, 
etc. The latter of which in old age, is to be met with by the 
most nutritious food, wine, and warmth. 

Symptoms. — This malady usually commences with a dry 
cough, which often continues for some months. If a disposi- 
tion to vomit after eatins: be excited bv it, there is still orreater 
reason to fear an approaching consumption. The patient 
complains of more than ordinary degree of heat, pain and 
oppression of the chest, especially after motion ; his spittle is 
of a saltish taste, and sometimes mingled with blood. His 
appetite is poor, his thirst great ; and he is apt to be despond- 
ing. There is usually a soft, quick pulse; though sometimes 
it is pretty full, and rather hard. After this the patient 
begins to spit a greenish, white, or bloody matter. His body 
is attenuated by the hectic fever, colliquative sweats, which 
mutually succeed one another, viz : the one towards night, and 
the other in the morning. There is a burning heat in the 
palms of the hands, and the face usually flushes after eating; 
the hair falls ofl""; the fingers become remarkably small, and 
the nails are bent inwards. A looseness, and excessive dis- 
charge of urine, are often annoying indications at this time, 
and greatly debilitates the patient. At last the swelling 
of the feet and legs, total loss of strength, sinking of the 
eyes, difficulty of swallowing, and the coldness of the ex- 
tremities indicate the immediate approach of death, which, 
however, the patient seldom believes to be so near. This 



CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 287 

malady when confirmed and extensive, is nearly always fatal; 
recoveries do, however, occur when the tubercles are few in 
number. 

Causes. — It has already been observed, that an inflamma- 
tion of this character often terminates in an apostume, or 
abscess ; consequently, whatever disposes persons to this dis- 
ease, must likewise be considered as a cause of consumption. 
Other diseases, by vitiating the humors, may likewise occasion 
consumption ; as the scurvy, scrofuh\ or king's evil, asthma, 
small-pox, measles. Another cause is want of exercise ; hence 
it comes to pass, that those artificers who sit much, and are 
constantly leaning forward, or pressing upon the stomach 
and breast, as cutlers, tailors, shoemakers, and seamstresses, 
etc., often die of consumption. When the fumes of metals or 
minerals impregnate the air which is inhaled hy an individual, 
it is extremely injurious to the lungs, and often corrodes the 
tender vessels of that essential organ. Great evacuations, as 
sweatings, diarrheas, diabetes, the floor albus, excessive men- 
struation, etc. Yiolent emotions of the mind, as anxiety, 
..grief, disappointment, or a close application to study, etc. 
The sudden cessation of customary evacuations, as the bleed- 
ing piles, sweating of the feet, bleeding at the nose, the men- 
ses, issues, ulcers, or eruptions of any kind. Making a sud- 
den transition from a hot to a very cold climate, change of 
apparel, or Vv^hatever greatly lessens the perspiration. 

Infection. — Consumption is often caught by sleeping with 
the diseased ; for which reason this should be carefully avoid- 
ed. It can not be of great benefit to the sick, and must natur- 
ally injure those in health. 

Cold. — A large number of consumptive patients date the 
beginning of their complaints from wet feet, damp beds, night 
air, wet clothes, etc. Aromatic, saline, and sharp aliments, 
which heat and inflame the blood, are also frequently the 
cause of consumption. 

Regimen. — On the first indication of consumption, if the 



288 CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 

patient resides in a large town, or any place where the air is 
confined, he ought immediat<ily to quit it, and to make choice 
of a situation in the country, where the air is dry, pure, and 
clear. Here he must not remain inactive, but take ererj day 
as much exercise as he can bear. The best method of taking 
exercise, is to ride on horseback, as this affords the body a 
great deal of motion without much fatigue. Such as can not 
bear this kind of exercise, must make use of a carriage. A 
long journey, as it amuses the mind by a continual change of 
objects, is greatly preferable to riding the same ground over 
and over. The patient should always finish his ride in the 
morning or before dinner; otherwise it will oftener do more 
harm tlian good. At any rate, the patient must ride ; his life 
depends upon it; and it is almost an infallible remedy, if 
begun in time, and duly persisted in. This, to my knowledge, 
has frequently cured, after the patient was, to all appearance, 
in the last stage of a consumption, and where all medicines 
had proved ineffectual. Those who have strength and cour- 
age to undertake a pretty long voyage, occasionally derive 
much benefit from it. Those who attend the sick seldom 
recommend riding in this malady till the patient is either 
unable to bear it, or the disease has become incurable. Pa- 
tients are likewise apt to trifle with every thing that is in 
their power. They can not see how the common actions of 
life should prove a remed;^ in an obstinate disease, and there- 
fore reject it, while they eagerly seek after relief from medi- 
cine, merely because they do not understand it. Those who 
desire to travel, will derive great benefit fi'om doing so 
in a more southern climate ; and, if they find the air agrees 
with them, they should continue there, at least till their health 
be confirmed. 

]N"ext, we would recommend particular attention to diet. 
The patient should eat nothing that is either heating or hard 
of dio:estion, and his drink must be of a mild and cooling 
nature. All the diet must be calculated to diminish the acri- 
mony of the humors, and to nourish and support the patient. 
For this purpose, he should confine himself chiefly to the use 
of vegetables and milk. Milk alone, has been considered by 



CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 289 

some, in this complaint, to be of more value than the whole 
materia medica. Goat's milk has also been considered by 
some to be curative in this malady. Milk should be drank, 
if possible, in its natural warmth, and by an adult in the 
quantity of half a pint at a time. Not only should the pa- 
tient take this quantity night and morning, but be should 
take it four or five times a day, and with it a little light 
bread. If cow's milk should prove too heavy for the stom- 
ach, it may be rendered lighter by allowing it to stand for 
some hours, and then taking off the cream. We do not ad- 
vise those who have been accustomed to animal food and 
spirituous liquors, to leave them off all at once, as that might 
be dangerous ; but they should gradually diminish the quan- 
tity, till they can leave them off altogether. 

Rice and milk, or barley and milk, boiled, with a little 
sugar, is very suitable food ; also all kinds of cooked ripe 
fruit, and jellies, conserves, and preserves. Ripe subacid 
fruits should be eaten plentifully. Some consumptive patients 
have derived much benefit from eating raw oysters, and 
drinking the juice, or water of the same. All the food and 
drink, however, should be taken in small quantities, lest an 
overcharge of fresh chyle should oppress the lungs, and too 
much accelerate the circulation of the blood. The patient's 
mind should be kept as easy and cheerful as possible. Con- 
sumption is often occasioned, and always aggravated, by 
a melancholy cast of mind ; for which reason music, cheerful 
company, and every thing that inspires mirth, are highly 
beneficial. 

Medicine. — In the first stage of consumption, the expec- 
toration may be promoted by the following medicines : 

Take fresh squills^ gum ammoniac, and powdered carda- 
mom seeds^ of each a quarter of an ounce ; beat them together 
in a mortar, and if the mass proves too hard for pills, a little 
of any sirup may be added. This may be formed into pills 
of a moderate size, and three, four, or five taken, two or three 
times a day, according as the patient's stomach will bear. 
Whatever is used for removing the cough, besides riding and 



290 CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 

other proper regimen, should be medicines of a sharp and 
cleansing property; as, oxymel, sirup of lemon, etc. Acids 
appear to have peculiarly good effects in this disease ; they 
both tend to quench the patient's tliirst, and to cool the blood. 
The patient's beverage may be made of the bitter plants, as 
ground-ivy^ chamomile fiower^s^ or water-trefoil. These infu- 
sions may be drank at pleasure. They strengthen the stom- 
ach, promote digestion, and at the same time answer all the 
purposes of dilution, and quench thirst much better than 
things that are sweet. But if the patient spits blood, he 
should use for his ordinary drink, infusions or decoctions of 
vulnerary roots, plants, etc. Take of comfrey root^ one ounce, 
licorice and raav^li-mcdlow roots^ each, half an ounce. Boil 
them in two quarts of water, down to one. A tea spoonful 
of the aromatic sulphuric acid maybe added to this decoction 
when cold, and a tea cupful of it taken four or five times a 
day. There are many other plants and seeds, from which de- 
coctions or infusions may be prepared, having the same design j 
as the quince seed^ colfs-foot^ sarsaparilla and linseed^ etc. 
Simple infusion, or boiling, is all that is necessary, and the 
dose may be at discretion. The conserve of roses is here 
particularly beneficial. In order to derive benefit from it, 
three or four ounces should be eaten daily, for a considerable 
time ; this should be eaten in small quantities at once, and 
fasting an hour after eating it. When hectic symptoms, op- 
pression of the chest, and the spitting up of gross matter, 
indicate that an abscess is formed in the lungs, we would 
recommend Peruvian harh^ that being the only drug having 
any chance to counteract the general tendency which the hu- 
mors then have to putrefaction. An ounce of the bark, in 
powder, may be divided into eighteen or twenty doses, of 
which one may be taken every three hours through the day, 
in a little sirup, or a cup of the patient's ordinary drink. 
Should the bark happen to purge, it may be made into an 
electuary with the conserve oi roses^ thus : Take old conserve 
of roses^ a quarter of a pound, Peruvian harJc in powder, an 
ounce, sirup of orange or lemon, as much as will make it of 
the consistence of honey. This quantity will last the patient 



NERVOUS CONSUMPTION. 291 

about five days, and may be repeated as tliere is occasion. 
Such as can not take the bark in substance, may infuse it in 
cold water. Half an ounce of bark may be infused for 
twenty-four hours, in half a pint of water ; strain it and take 
an ordinary tea cupful three or four times a day. 

The bark would not be recommended while there are any 
symptoms of inflammation in the complaint; but when it is 
positively known that matter is collected there, it is certainly 
one of the best medicines that can be used. Codfish liver 
oil has performed some remarkable cures in consumption, 
when taken in season. 

NEKVOUS CONSUMPTION. 

Tliis is attended with indigestion, debility, loss of appetite, 
a pining away, or emaciation of the body, without any con- 
siderable degree of fever, cough, or difficult respiration. Per- 
sons who breathe an unwholesome air, indulge in spirituous 
liquors, or who are of a fretful disposition, are most liable to 
this maladj^ 

Wq would chiefly recommend, in the cure of IN'ervous Con- 
sumption, a light and nourishing diet, plenty of exercise in the 
clear open air, and the nse of such tonic bitters as are calcu- 
lated to strengthen the stomach, as Peruvian hark^ gentian 
root^ cTiamornile^ etc. These may be infused in wine or 
water, and a glass of it drank frequently. 

The patient may take twenty drops of the elixir of vitriol, 
in a little wine or water. The chalybeate wine is likewise an 
excellent medicine in this case. It strengthens the solids, 
and powerfully assists nature in the preparation of good 
blood. Agreeable amusements, cheerful company, and riding 
about are, however, preferable to all medicines in this dis- 
ease. For which reason, when the patient can aflbrd it, we 
would recommend a long journey of pleasure, as the most 
likely means to restore his health. What may be called a 
Symptomatic Consumption, can not be cured without first 
removing the disease by which it is occasioned. Thus, when 
Consumption proceeds from the scurvy, asthma, scrofula or 



292 NERVOUS CONSUMPTION. 

king's evil, or corrupt humors of the blood, etc., a due atten- 
tion must be paid to the complaint from whence it arises, and 
the regimen directed accordingly. 

When excessive evacuations of any kind occasion Con- 
sumption, they must not only be restrained, but the patient's 
strength must be restored by gentle exercise, nourishing diet, 
generous cordials, etc. 



CHAPTER VI. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART, 

{Carditis^ Endocarditis^ Pericarditis.) 



The heart is subject to a variety of diseases, which may be 
distinguished into sympatlietic^ ivflammatory ., and organic. 

Three distinct textures are involved in the structure of the 
heart. Each of these textures is liable to inflammation, 
which, when seated in the pericardium, is tern^ed pericardi- 
tis. — (Inflammation of the investing membrane of the heart.) 
"When in the membrane lining the cavities of the heart, it 
is termed endocarditis ; and when in its muscular substance, 
carditis. The two former of these assume an acute, sub- 
acute, or chronic form ; the latter, carditis, is a rare disease. 

The treatment of these may be considered under one head, 
as it is perfectly similar in all. 

Mercury is recommended in these cases ; with this view, 
calomel should be given in the manner best suited to insure 
its efiects on the mouth, namely, in small doses frequently 
repeated. Antimonial diaphoretics and saline purgatives 
are likewise of utility. Digitalis, {fox-glove^ may be ser- 
viceable in keeping the pulse down, and opium, combined 
with calomel, has often an excellent effect ; other narcotics 
and antispasmodics may also be profitable, according to cir- 
cumstances. In the rheumatic forms of carditis, colchicum 
is highly esteemed by some practitioners. 

The use of counter-irritants is better adapted to the sub- 
acute and chronic states of carditis than to the acute. 

Chronic carditis demands the same treatment as the acute, 
but in a very moderate degree. 

26 ( 293 ) 



CHAPTER YII. 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



SECTION I. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

Brain Fever. — Encephalitis, — Fhrenitis.) 



The symptoms of this disease are exceedingly various ; but 
the general symptoms, however, are coma, or inclination to 
Bleep ; delirium, with signs of determination of blood to the 
head, etc. This is sometimes a primary disease, but ofteuer 
only the symptom of some other disorder ; as the inflamma- 
tory, eruptive, or spotted fever, etc. It is very common, 
however, as a primary disease in warm climates, and is most 
incident to persons about the prime or vigor of life. The 
passionate, the studious, and those whose nervous system is 
irritable in a high degree, are most liable to it. 

Symptoms. — Occasionally there are premonitory symptoms 
of an actual inflammation of the brain, such as pain in 
the head, more or less acute, rush of blood to the head, 
redness of the eyes, vertigo, and ringing in the ears for 
the space of a w^eek preceding the attack. There are also 
feverish symptoms, attended with sense of weight on the 
top of the head, and unusual excitability. Moreover, the 
patient is costive, his sleep is disturbed, or there is a total 
want of it. 

When the inflammation is confirmed, the symptoms in 
general are similar to those of the inflammatory fever. The 
pulse, indeed, is often weak, irregular, and tremulous; but 
sometimes it is hard and contracted. When the brain itself 
is inflamed, the pulse is always soft and low 5 but when the 

(234 ) 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 295 

inflammation only affects the integuments of the brain, viz : 
the dura and pia mater, it is hard. A remarkable quickness 
of hearing is a common S3^mptom of this disease, but that 
seldom continues long. Another usual symptom is a great 
throbbing or pulsation of the arteries in the neck and tem- 
ples. The tongue is often black and dry ; yet the patient 
seldom complains of thirst, and even refuses to drink. The 
mind principally runs upon such objects as have before made 
a deep impression on it ; and sometimes from a sullen silence 
the patient becomes suddenly raving. A constant trembling 
and starting of the tendons is an unfavorable symptom, as is 
also total want of sleep ; continual spitting, a suppression 
of urine, grinding of the teeth, which last may be considered 
as a kind of convulsion. 

When phrenitis succeeds an inflammation of the lungs, of 
the intestines, or of the throat, etc., it is owing to a tran- 
sition of the disease from these parts to the brain, and usually 
proves fatal. This clearly shows the necessity of proper evacu- 
ations, and the danger of repellents in all inflammatory com- 
plaints. 

The favorable symptoms are, a copious discharge of blood 
from the nose, the bleeding piles, a tree perspiration, a plen- 
tiful discharge of urine, in which we find, after a short time, 
a copious sediment. Sometimes the disease is carried off by 
a looseness of the bowels, and in women by an exjcessive flow 
of the menses.. 

As this disease often proves fatal in a few days, it requires 
the most speedy applications. When it is prolonged or im- 
properly treated, it sometimes terminates in insanity, or a 
kind of stupidity which continues for life. 

In the cure, two things are chiefly to be attended to, viz : 
to lessen the quantity of blood in the brain, and to retard its 
circulation towards the head. 

Caif^es. — -This complaint is often occasioned by keeping 
late hours at night, especially when joined with hard study. 
It may likewise piHJceed from intemperance, anger, grief, or 
anxiety. It is often occasioned by the cessation of usual 



296 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

evacuations, as the bleeding piles in men, and the customary 
discharges of women, etc. Those who imprudently expose 
themselves to the heat of the sun, especially by sleeping 
without doors in the hot season, with their heads uncovered, 
are often suddenly seized with inflammation of the brain, so 
80 as to awake quite delirious. 

"When repellents are injudiciously used in erysipelas, an 
inflammation of the brain is sometimes the consequence. It 
may likewise be occasioned by external injuries, as blows or 
bruises upon the head, etc. 

Regimen. — The patient should be kept very quiet. Com- 
pany, noise, and every thing that afiects the senses or disturbs 
the imagination, increase the disease. Even too much light 
is hurtful ; for which reason the patient's room should be a 
little darkened ; and he should neither be kept too cool nor hot. 
It is not, however, necessary to exclude the company of an 
agreeable friend, as this has a tendency to soothe and quiet 
the mind. Neither should the patient be kept too much in 
the dark, lest it should occasion a gloomy melancholy, which 
is too often the consequence of this disease. The patient 
must, as far as possible, be pacified, and indulged in every 
thing. Contradiction will ruffle the mind and increase the 
malady. Even when he calls for things which are not to be 
obtained, or which might prove injurious, he is not to be 
positively denied them, but rather put ofi" with the promise of 
leaving them as soon as they can be obtained, or by some 
other excuse. A little of any thing that the mind is set upon, 
though not exactly proper, will injure the patient less than a 
positive refusal. The aliment should be light, consisting 
chiefly of farinaceous substances, as panado, and water gruel 
acidulated with jelly of currants or juice of lemons, cooked 
ripe fruits, jellies, preserves, etc. The beverage should be 
weak, diluting, and cooling, as whey, barley-water, or decoc- 
tions of barley and tamarinds, which latter not only renders 
the drink more palatable, but also more beneficial. 

Ireatment. — In an inflammation of the brain, nothing 



I 



APOPLEXY. 297 

more certainly relieves the patient than a free discharge of 
blood from the nose. When this takes place of its own accord, 
it is by no means to be stopped, but rather promoted, by ap- 
plying cloths dipped in warm water to the part. "When 
bleeding at the nose does not take place spontaneously, it 
may be provoked by putting a straw, or or any other sharp 
body, up the nostril. Leeches may be applied to the tem- 
ples, which greatly relieve the head. A discharge of blood 
from the hemorrhoidal veins is likewise of great service, 
and ought, by all means, to be promoted. If the patient has 
been subject to the bleeding piles, and that discharge has been 
stopped, every method must be tried to restore it; as the 
application of leeches to the parts, sitting over the steam of 
warm water, sharp clysters or suppositories made of honey, 
aloes^ and rock salt. If the inflammation of the brain is 
occasioned by the stoppage of evacuations, either natm-al or 
artificial, as the menses, issues, setons, etc., all means must 
be used to restore them as soon as possible, or to substitute 
others in their stead. The patient's bowels must be kept 
open by emollient enemata, or mild purgatives ; and small 
quantities of nitre should frequently be mixed with his drink. 
Two or three drachms, or more, if the case be dangerous, may 
be used in the space of twenty-four hours. The head should 
be shaven, and frequently rubbed with vinegar and 7'ose water. 
Cloths dipped in this mixture may also be applied to the 
temples. The feet ought frequently to be bathed in lukewarm 
water, and soft poultices of bread and milk may be kept con- 
stantly applied to them. 



SECTION II. 
A.YO?lMX.Y .—{Apoplexia.) 



Apoplexy is a sudden loss of consciousness and motion, 
during which the patient to all appearance is dead, the heart 



298 APOPLEXY. 

and lungs, however, continue to move. This disease often 
proves fatal, yet it may sometimes be removed by proper 
treatment, and by a little care might often be prevented. It 
chiefly attacks sedentary persons of a gross habit, who use a 
rich and plentiful diet, and indulge in strong liquors. Per- 
sons in the decline of life are most subject to apoplexy. It 
prevails most in winter, especially in wet, rainy seasons, and 
a low state of the barometer. 

Synvptoms. — Apoplexy is usually preceded by the following 
symptoms, viz: rush of blood to the head, red face, vertigo 
or dizziness, dimness of vision, a general weariness and 
stupidity, pain in the head, loss of memory, ringing noises in 
the ears, numbness, or pricking sensation in the extremities ; 
sometimes there is irritability of temper manifested; at other 
times there is fainting, a quick pulse, a great flow of tears, 
and laborious respiration. When persons of an apopleptic 
make discover these symptoms, they have reason to fear the 
approach of a fit, and should endeavor to prevent it by bleed- 
ing, a spare diet, and purgative medicines. 

In the sanguine Apoplexy, if the patient does not die sud- 
denly, the countenance appears florid, the face is swelled or 
pufied up, and the blood vessels, especially about the neck 
and temples, are turgid ; the pulse beats strong, the eyes are 
prominent and fixed, the respiration diflicult, and is often 
accompanied with a stertorous bound. The excrements and 
urine are often voided spontaneously, and the patient is some- 
times seized with vomiting. It is most frequent after thii*ty, 
and the prognosis is unfavorable. 

Treatment. — During this species of apoplexy, every method 
must be taken to lessen the force of the circulation toward 
the head. The patient should be placed in a cool room, with 
his head raised pretty high ; the clothes should be loosened, 
especially around the neck, and his feet and legs allowed to 
hang down. In some cases it would be advisable to put the 
feet in a warm bath, stimulated with mustard. As soon as 
the patient is placed in a suitable posture, he should be bied 



APOPLEXY. 299 

freely in the neck or arm, and if there be occasion, the opera- 
tion may be repeated in two or three hours. A laxative 
enema or injection, with plenty of sweet oil or fresh butter, 
and a large spoonful of table salt in it, may be administered 
every two hours ; and blistering plasters applied between the 
shoulders, and to the calves of the legs. As soon as the 
patient is able to swallow, a large dose of calomel smd jalap, 
or epsom salts may be administered ; and if these do not 
operate freely in due time, give a table spoonful or more of 
castor oil. The bowels should be kept open by the free use 
of similar medicines, as there is a liability to recurrence pro- 
duced by the attack. As soon as the symptoms are slightly 
abated, and the patient can swallow quite well, he ought to 
drink freely of some diluting, opening beverage, as a decoc- 
tion of tamarinds and licorice, cream tartar whey, or com- 
mon whey with cream of tartar dissolved in it. All spirits 
and spirituous liquors are to be avoided. Even volatile salts 
held to the nose do harm. Emetics for the same reason, 
ought not to be given, or any thing that may increase the 
motion of blood towards the head. 

In the serous Apoplexy the symptoms are similar, only the 
pulse is not so strong, the countenance is less florid, and the 
respiration less difficult. The treatment should be the same 
as that in the sanguine Apoplexy, and the patient may like- 
wise drink strong halm tea. If he is inclined to sweat, it 
should be promoted by drinking weak wine whey, or an in- 
fusion of carduus henedictus. 

A profuse perspiration kept up for a considerable time has 
often carried off a serous Apoplexy. 

When this disease proceeds from opium or other narcotic 
substances taken into the stomach, emetics are necessary. 
The patient is usually relieved as soon as he has discharged 
the poison in this way. 

Persons of an apoplectic make, or those who have been 
attacked by it, should use a very spare and low diet, avoiding 
all strong liquors, spices, and high-seasoned food. They 
ought likewise to guard against all violent passions, and to 
avoid the extremes of heat and cold. The head should be 



300 PALSY. 

Bhaved, and daily washed with cold water. The feet ought 
to be kept warm, and never suffered to continue long wet. 
The bowels must by all means be kept open either by food or 
medicine. Exercise should by no means be neglected, but 
it ought to be taken in rnqderation. 

ISTothing has a more happy effect in preventing Apoplexy 
than riding, and perpetual issues, or setons ; great care, how- 
ever, must be taken not to suffer them to dry up, without 
opening others in their stead. 

Apoplectic persons ought never to retire to "rest with a full 
stomach, or lie with their heads low, or to wear any thing too 
tight about their necks. 



SECTION III. 
VKL^Y.— {Paralysis.) 



Palsy is a disorder known by a loss or diminution of the 
power of voluntary motion affecting any part of the body. 
It usually comes on suddenly, but occasionally it is preceded 
by numbness, coldness, paleness, and sometimes by slight con- 
vulsive twitches in the parts affected. 

Causes. — It may arise in consequence of an attack of apo- 
plexy ; and when it arises as a consequence of such, it usually 
proves very difficult to cure. 

It may likewise be occasioned by worms, scrofula, intem- 
perance, wounds of the brain or spinal marrow ; pressure 
upon the brain or nerves ; very damp or cold air ; sudden 
fear; want of exercise; and whatever greatly relaxes the sys- 
tem, as much tea or coffee. Thie suppression of customary 
evacuations, and the poisonous fumes of metals or minerals 
will likewise produce Palsy, as mercury, lead, or arsenic. 
When Palsy attacks any vital part, such as the lungs, heart, 
or brain, it soon terminates fatally. 



PALSY. - 301 

The most usual form of Palsy is when one side of the body 
is aflected, though sometimes only a portion of it is attacked, 
as a limb, hip, or shoulder. It sometimes seizes the lower 
extremities; sometimes the arms only; at other times one 
side of the face, as one eyelid, the tongue, or the muscles of 
deglutition. 

When the head is much affected, the eye and mouth are 
drawn on one side, the memory and judgment are much im- 
paired, and the speech is indistinct and incoherent. 

If the disease affects the extremities, and has been of long 
duration, it not only produces a loss of motion and sensi- 
bility, but likewise a considerable flaccidity and wasting away 
in the muscles of the parts affected. When it affects the 
stomach, the intestines, or the bladder, it is really danger- 
ous. 

Treatment. — In this complaint an attempt should be made 
to remove, as far as possible, any compressing cause, and to 
rouse the nervous system. 

It will sometimes be proper, where the attack is sudden, 
the disease originating in the head, with great determination 
of blood to that part, particularly in a plethoric habit, to 
apply cupping-glasses to the neck, and exhibit active purges, 
with the other means pointed out under apoplexy. But 
where the patient is advanced in life, of a debilitated consti- 
tution, and not too full of blood, the object should rather be 
to procure regular and healthy discharges from the bowels, 
obviate irritation in the brain by blisters in the neighborhood, 
and procure a steady determination to the skin by gentle stim- 
ulant diaphoretJCG, as ammonia, guaiacum, etc., in moderate 
doses, regularly persevered in. Certain narcotic substances 
have been fcrrd occasionally successful, as aconite, arnica, and 
nux vomica. Rhus toxicodendron, {poison oak or sumach^) 
the dried le?.vxs of which have been much used and highly ex- 
tolled in fgyalysis and herpes, but in the fresh state are very 
poisor op'.^. The dose of the dried leaves may be from half a 
gr^i-J ^ /?''adually increased to four grains, two or three times a 
d«.y. Yarious local means of increasing the circulation and 



302 MILK SICKNESS. 

nervous energy in the affected parts are resorted to in this 
complaint, often with decided benefit. 

In all cases it is proper to keep np sufficient warmth in the 
limb, or the disease may be rendered incurable. But in 
addition to this, in tedious cases, fomentations, the vapor 
bath, friction, electricity, and a variety of stimulant, rubefa- 
cient, or even vesicatory embrocations, liniments, and plas- 
ters may assist materially in the recovery of the patient. 
Exercise i^ of the greatest importance in the Palsy; and the 
patient should wear flannel next his skin ; and if possible 
should remove into a warmer climate. When the disease 
affects several different parts of the body, stimulants should 
be used both internally and externally, as mustard seed^ horse- 
radish^ and the volatile alkaline salts or spirits, and ether. 
The diet in old age should be warm and invigorating, seas- 
oned with spicy and aromatic vegetables, as viustard, horse- 
radish^ etc. The drink should be good wine, mustard whey^ 
or brandy and water. 



SECTIOJT lY. 
MILK SICKA^ESS. 



This disease is also called sick stomach or trembles. It 
appears to be contagious, and confined to particular districts 
of the Western States, as Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and 
Illinois. It prevails to a considerable extent near the Wabash 
river, especially the southern portion of it. It is thought 
that the disease is communicated to cattle (particularly the 
cow) from having eaten the leaves of a poisonous shrub. 

The eyes present a red or bloodshot appearance ; the breath 
is offensive, having a peculiar and disagreeable smell. The 
walk is of a weak, unnatural, reeling manner; when driven, 
they fall into convulsions, and very often die. The butter, 
cheese, milk, and meat of such animals are extremely poison- 



MILK SICKNESS. 303 

ons, a small quantity bringing on the same disease in man 
or other animals, in from five hours to five days. Hogs and 
dogs derive it from drinking the milk, or from eating the 
flesh of cattle or sheep that have died of this disease. 

The butter and cheese of the infected districts have been 
quite extensively exported to St. Louis, Louisville, etc., and 
many times produced fatal efiects. It has been thought that 
the extensive poisoning in ISTew York city in the spring of 
1840, arose from cheese imported thence. 

Symptoms. — ^In man it commences with restlessness, las- 
situde, loss of appetite, constipation, fetid breath, vomiting 
frequently, with blood, and, finally, all the symptoms of a 
low typhus fever, with nervous tremors and delirium : it is 
very fatal. 

Treatment. — Thorough emetics are very serviceable in this 
disorder. The sickness at the stomach, which is very great, 
usually prevents the possibility of administering medicine in 
such quantity as to do much good ; we must therefore rely 
principally on laxative injections, often repeated, and long- 
continued ; as soon as the vomiting subsides, an active cathar- 
tic should be given. Prepared charcoal is said to produce 
excellent efiects in this disease, which should be given by 
way of tea or powder, after the emetics have done operating. 

Dose. — Of the powder from a tea spoonful to one or two 
table spoonsful every two or three hours, mixed with what- 
ever is best suited to the patient. After the emetics and 
cathartics have faithfully performed their duties, and the symp- 
toms abated, a combination of bitter and nervine tonics, iu 
small doses, may be administered three times a day. 



304: EPILEPSY. 

SECTION V. 
EPILEPSY.— (i^/^f^. E:pilej>sia) 



This disease is sometimes termed falling sickness, and is 
characterized by violent convulsions, with coma, and gener- 
ally foaming at the mouth ; its attacks are usually sudden, 
sometimes, however, it is preceded by giddiness or dimness of 
vision, followed immediately by a deprivation of all the 
senses, in which the patient falls suddenly down. It more 
frequently attacks men than women, and is very difficult to 
cure. "When Epilepsy attacks children, there is reason to 
hope it may wear off; when it attacks any person after twenty- 
five years of age, the cure is very difficult ; but when after 
forty-five, a cure is hardly to be expected. It is considered a 
very unfavorable symptom when the patient is seized with 
the fits in his sleep. 

Symptoms.— Th.Q^Q^\.^ are immediately preceded with flashes, 
or a determination of blood to the head, palpitations, noise in 
the ears, difficult respiration. In most cases it is preceded by 
flatulency in the stomach and intestines, weariness, pain of 
the head, and dullness ; at times there prevails a sense of 
something like a cold aura or vapor arising up to the head, etc. 

Causes. — The causes which give rise to the fits, are wtuads, 
blows, fractures, and other injuries done to the head by exter- 
nal violence, together with lodgments of water in the brain, 
tumors, concretions, and polypi, intense study, and violent 
emotions of the mind. 

Regimen. — The diet of epileptic patients should be light, 
but nourishing. They should breathe, if possible, a pure and 
free air. They should not drink any thing strong — should 
avoid pork, water-fowl, and likewise all flatulent and oily 
vegetables, as cabbage, nuts, etc. The mind should be kept 
cheerful, carefully guarding against all violent passions, as 
anger, fear, etc. Exercise is likewise of great importance ; 



CHOREA. SOS 

but the patient must be careful to avoid all extremes, either of 
heat or cold, as such would be apt to occasion a fit. 

Treatment. — If the patient be of a sanguine temperament, 
and there be reason to fear an obstruction in the brain, bleed- 
ing and other evacuations will be necessary. "When the dis- 
ease is occasioned by the stoppage of customary evacuations, 
these, if possible, must be restored y if this can not be done, 
others may be substituted in their plac^. Issues or setons, in 
this case, have often a very good effect. When there is 
reason to believe that the disease proceeds from worms, 
proper medicines should be used to remove them. When the 
disease proceeds from teething, the bowels should be kept 
open by emollient clysters, the feet frequently bathed in warm 
water, and, if the fits prove obstinate, a blistering plaster 
may be put between the shoulders. The same method is to 
be followed when epileptic fits precede the eruption of the 
small-pox, measles, etc. When it is owing to a debility, 
or too great an irritability of the nervous system, such medi- 
cines as tend to brace and strengthen the nerves may be used, 
as the Peruvian harlc^ preparations of steel, etc. Chalybeate 
waters are found to be beneficial in this disease. 

Convulsion fits proceed from the same causes, and must be 
treated in the same manner as the Epilepsy. 



SECTION yi. 
CHOEEA.— (^^.F^'^Jws'a Dance) 



This disease is characterized by convulsive movements of 
the limbs, or portions of the body, occasioning unusual and 
involuntary gesticulations. It usually attacks the young, 
though it has been occasionally found to occur at a more 
advanced period of life. Females are more liable to it than 
males. 



306 CHOREA. 

Symptoms, — ^The approaches of this disease are by moder- 
ate advances. The bowels are in a constipated state, aggra- 
vated as the disease progresses ; a variable and often a 
ravenous appetite, loss of usual vivacity and ekeerfuluess ; 
and there is a slight, irregular, involuntary motion of the 
different muscles, particularly those of the face. The muscles 
of the head, neck, arms, and legs, become affected ; the gait 
is staggering, and the movements often violent. Deglutition 
and speech are impeded ; the eyes become vacant The con- 
vulsive movements are almost incessant, except during sleep. 

When it is of long standing there is much mental depres- 
sion, and a vacant and languid air. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists in the use of purga- 
tives and tonics, especially preparations of iron, cold bathing, 
pure air, and a nutritious diet. Sea voyages often produce 
an excellent effect. Chorea is a tedious, but not dangerous 
disease, and often defies all remedial agents. In obstinate 
cases, camphor is sometimes remarkably useful. Exercise in 
this complaint, as well as in all other nervous diseases is 
far more beneficial than medicine. If the patient will pass 
the principal part of the time in walking and riding, he may 
expect a cure without the aid of medicine. Riding on horse- 
back is considered the better, if the patient is able to bear it. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

AFFECTIONS OF THE ORGANS OF THE SENSES. 



SECTION I. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE Wi'Y.^.—^OjpTithalmitis.) 



Symptoms. — Inflammation of the eyes is attended with, 
redness, heat, swelling, and with acute pain. The patient is 
not able to bear the light, and sometimes he experiences a 
pricking pain, as if his eyes were pierced with a thorn. The 
eyes are filled with scalding rheum, which rushes forth in 
great quantities whenever the patient attempts to look up. 
At times he imagines his eyes are filled with dust, or thinks 
he sees flies passing before him. The pulse is usually quick 
and hard, with some degree of fever. When the inflamma- 
tion is great, the surrounding parts swell, and there is a 
throbbing or pulsation in the temporal arteries, etc. If the 
patient is seized with a looseness, it has a good effect, and 
when the inflammation passes from one eye to another, as it 
were by infection, it is no unfavorable symptom. But when 
the complaint is accompanied with a violent paiji in the head, 
and continues long, the patient is in danger of losing his 
eight. 

Causes. — This disease may be occasioned by a common 
cold, and obstruction of the tear passages. The difficulty may 
arise from external injuries, as blows, likewise from dust and 
other substances getting into the eyes. It is often occasioned 
by the obstruction of customary evacuations ; as the healing of 
old sores, drying up of issues, the suppression of gentle morn- 
ing sweats, or the sweating of the feet. Long exposure to the 
night air, especially in cold, northerly winds, or whatever 
suddenly checks the perspiration, especially after the body has 

(307; 



308 INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 

been much heated, is very apt to cause Inflammation of the 
Ejes. Viewing snow, or other white bodies for a long time, 
or looking steadfastly at the sun; a clear fire, or any bright 
object, will likewise occasion this malady. A sudden tran- 
sition from darkness to very bright light will often have the 
same effect. IN'othing more certainly occasions an Inflam- 
mation of the Eyes than sitting up late at night, and especi- 
ally reading or writing by candle-light. Drinking spirituous 
liquor is likewise very hurtful to the eyes. The acrid fumes 
of metals, and of several kinds of fuel, are also very per- 
nicious. Sometimes an Inflammation of the Eyes proceeds 
from scrofulous, or gouty habit, sometimes it is epidemic, 
especially after wet seasons, and it frequently proves infec- 
tious, particularly to those who live in the same house with 
the patient. 

In children it often proceeds from imprudently drying up 
of scabbed-heads, a running behind the ears, or any similar 
discharge. Inflammations of the Eyes often succeed the small- 
pox or measles, especially in children of a scrofulous habit. 

Regimen. — The diet, unless in scrofulous cases, can hardly 
be too spare. The patient must abstain from every thing of 
a heating nature. The food should consist principally of 
mild vegetables and gruels. The drink may be barley-water, 
halm-tea^ and common whey. 

The patient's chamber must be darkened, or his eyes shaded 
by a cover so as to exclude the light, but not press upon the 
eyes. He should not look at a candle, the fire, or any lumi- 
nous object ; and ought to avoid all smoke, as the fumes of 
tobacco, or any thing that may cause coughing or sneezing. 
He should be kept quiet, avoiding all violent efforts, either 
of body or mind, and encouraging sleep as much as possible. 

Treatment. — Leeches are often applied to the temples, or 
under the eyes, with good effect. The wounds must be 
allowed to bleed for some hours, and if the bleeding stop 
soon, it may be promoted by the application of cloths dipped 



NIGHTMARE. * 309 

in warm water. In obstinate cases, it will be necessary to 
repeat this operation several times. 

The patient should take a small dose of salts and cream of 
tartar, every second or third day, or decoction of tamarinds 
with senna. If these be not agreeable, gentle doses of rJiu- 
"barb and nitre^ or any other mild purgative, will answer the 
same purpose. He should likewise, at bedtime, partake 
freely of weak wine whey, in order to promote perspiration, 
and his feet and legs must be frequently bathed in warm 
water. This has often a remarkably good effect. In catarrhal 
ophthalmia purgative medicines are indispensably necessary. 
Active doses should be given at first ; and afterwards the 
bowels may be kept open by smaller doses. 

If the inflammation does not yield to these evacuations, 
blisters must be applied to the temples, behind the ears, or 
upon the neck, and kept open for some time. These, if long 
enough kept open, seldom fail to remove the most obstinate 
Inflammation of the Eyes. 

When the heat or pain of the eyes is very great, a poul- 
tice of bread and milk, softened with sweet oil or fresh butter, 
may be applied to them, at least all night ; and they may be 
bathed in lukewarm milk and water in the morning. Or 
they may be bathed three or four times a day with the infusion 
0^ poppy leaves in rum, which will often remove all inflam- 
mation from the eyes, and strengthen the sight. 



SECTION II. 
NIGHTMARE.— ( OpUaltes) 



This disagreeable complaint is dependent upon certain dis- 
eased conditions of the system. Persons of a nervous tem- 
perament, whose digestive powers are feeble, or whose bowels 
are much disordered, are most liable to its attacks. 

This disease is characterized by distressing sensations 
daring sleep, mostly preceded by a fearful dream, in which 
27 



310 NIGHTMARE. 

some known or unknown enemy is in close pursuit, and from 
whom the person affected can not escape, and is unable, though 
he is constantly endeavoring so to do : in this struggle a great 
oppression or weight is felt on the chest. The causes of thia 
affection are lying on the back, mental irritation from fatigue, 
and a dyspeptic state of the stomach. 

Causes. — It is sometimes caused by flatulence, by indigesti- 
ble matter in the stomach, after too heavy a supper, which, 
pressing the stomach against the diaphragm, impedes respi- 
ration, or renders it short and convulsed. Inflated intestines 
may likewise produce similar effects, or mental perturbations ; 
as grief, anxiety, dejection of mind, etc. There is another 
species, which has a more dangerous tendency, arising from 
an impeded circulation of blood in the lungs when lying 
down, or too great relaxation of the heart and its impelling 
powers. Epilepsy, apoplexy, or sudden death, are sometimes 
among the consequences of this species of disturbed sleep. 

Treatment. — The patient should take proper exercise, and 
a dose of some bitter tonic, or cayenne^ at bedtime, which 
will usually prevent the nightmare. 



SECTION III. 
FAINTma. ^WOOl^ll^Qr.— {Syncope.) 



Fainting is an affection in which the respiration and action 
of the heart either cease, or become much weaker than 
usual, with paleness and coldness, arising from diminished 
energy of the brain, or from organic affections of the heart. 

Symptoms. -^ThiQ disease is sometimes preceded by anxiety 
about the prsecordia, a sense of fuUness ascending from the 
Btomach toward the head, vertigo, or confusion of ideas, dim- 
ness of vision, and coldness of extremities. The attacks are 



FAINTING — SWOONING. 311 

frequently attended with, or end in vomiting, and sometimes 
in epileptic or other convulsions. Swoonings often occur in 
the progress of diseases. In the beginning of putrid diseases, 
they generally denote an oppression at the stomach, or a mass 
of corrupted humors, and they cease after evacuations either 
by vomit or stool. "When they take place at the beginning 
of malignant fevers, they indicate great danger. In these 
cases vinegar, used both internally and externally, is the best 
remedy during the paroxysms, and plenty of lemon juice and 
water after it. Faintings which happen in diseases accompa- 
nied with great evacuations, must be treated like those which 
are owing to weakness, and the evacuations ought to be re- 
strained. When they occur towards the end of a severe fit 
of an intermittent fever, the patient must be supported by 
small draughts of wine and water. From whatever cause 
fainting fits may proceed, fresh air is always of the utmost 
importance to the patient. His mouth may be wet with a 
little rum, or sugar and cinnamon, which is an excellent 
cordial, and may be poured into the mouth. A compress of 
flannel dipped in hot wine or brandy, must be applied to the 
pit of the stomach, and warm bricks, or bottles filled with 
hot water, laid to the feet. Sometimes spirits of camphor 
may be applied to the nose, should the before-mentioned 
remedies fail to produce the desired efiect. 



SECTION lY. 
jyROY^Y.— {Hydrops.) 



Dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole body, or 
some parts of it, occasioned by a collection of water. It is 
distinguished by difierent names, according to the part afiect- 
ed, as anasarca^ or a collection of water under the cellular 
membrane ; ascites^ or a collection of water in the abdomen ; 
hydrotliorax^ or dropsy of the chesty liydrocejpJiahis^ or 
dropsy of the brain, etc. 



312 DROPSY. 

Symptoms. a — Anasarca usually begins with a swelliDg of 
the feet and ankles towards night, which for sometime disap- 
pears in the morning. In the evening, the parts, if pressed 
with the finger, will pit. The swelling gradually ascends 
towards the bowels, the arms, and the head. Afterwards the 
breathing becomes difficult, the urine is small in quantity, and 
the thirst is great. The bowels are constipated, and perspi- 
ration is greatly obstructed. To these succeed torpor, heavi- 
ness, a slow, wasting fever, and a troublesome cough. The 
last usually proves a fatal symptom, as it indicates that the 
lungs are aflfected. 

In the asGites^ besides the above symptoms, there is a swell- 
ing of the bowels, and often a fluctuation, which may be 
observed by striking the belly on one side, and laying the 
palm of the hand on the opposite. When anasarca and ascites 
are combined, the case is very dangerous. When the disease 
comes on suddenly, and the patient is young and strong, there 
is reason to hope for a cure, especially if medicine be given 
early. But if the patient be old, has led an irregular or se- 
dentary life, or if there be reason to suspect that the liver, 
lungs, or any of the viscera are unsound, there is great reason 
to fear the consequences. <, 

Regimen, — The patient must abstain as much as possible 
from all drink, and must quench his thirst with whey, or 
acids, as juice of lemons, oranges, sorrel, etc. His aliment 
should be of a stimulating, diuretic quality, as toasted bread, 
the flesh of birds, or other wild animals, roasted ; pungent 
and aromatic vegetables, as garlic^ mustard^ onions^ horse- 
radish^ etc. Some have actually been cured of Dropsy by 
abstinence from liquids, and by taking the expressed juice of 
raw red onions. 

Dose. — ^Four table spoonsful four times a day one or two 
hours before eating ; or, take juniper ashes^ with molasses 
and gin. This will carry ofi* the water and efiect a cure. 
Exercise is likewise of the greatest importance in dropsy. If 
the patient is able to walk or labor, he ought to continue 



DEOPSY. 813 

these exercises as long as he can. If he is not able to walk 
or labor, he must ride on horseback, or in a carriage, and 
the more violent the motion so much the better, provided he 
can bear it. His bed should be hard, and the air of his apart- 
ment warm and dry. If he lives in a damp section of 
country, he ought to be removed into a dry one, and, if pos- 
sible, into a warmer climate. In a word, every method must 
be taken to promote the perspiration, and to brace the solids. 
For this purpose, it will likewise be proper to rub the pa- 
tient's body, two or three times a day, with a rough cloth, or 
a flesh brush, and he ought constantly to wear flannel next 
his skin. 

Treatment. — K the patient be young, his constitution good, 
and the disease has come on suddenly, it may generally be 
removed by strong emetics, active purges, and such medi- 
cines as promote a discharge by perspiration and urine. 

For an adult, half a drachm of ipecacuanha^ in powder, 
and half an ounce of oxymel of squills will be a proper 
emetic. This may be repeated as often as is found necessary, 
three or four times intervening between each dose. A cup 
or two of chamomile tea will be sufficient to work it ofi*. 
Between each emetic, on one of the intermediate days, the 
patient may take the following purge : jalap^ in powder, half 
a drachm, cream of tartar, two drachms, calomel, six grains. 
These may be made into a bolus, with a little sirup, and 
taken early in the morning. The less the patielit drinks after 
it the better. 

The patient may likewise take every night at bedtime the 
following bolus. To five grains of camphor, add two grains 
of opium and as much sirup of orange-peel as is sufficient to 
make them into a bolus. This will usually promote a gentle 
sweat, which should be encouraged by drinking now and then 
a gill of wine whey, with a tea spoonful of the spirit of 
hartshorn in it. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful of the following infusion may 
likewise be taken every four hours through the day : 



314 DROPSY. 

Take juniper-herries, mustard-seed, and horse-radish, of 
each half an ounce, the tops or leaves of broom, three-quar- 
ters of a pound ; infuse them in a quart of Rhenish wine or 
strong ale for a few days, and afterwards strain off the liquor. 
Those who can not take this infusion, may use the decoction 
of seneJca snake-root, which is both diuretic and sudorific. 

Cases of obstinate anasarca have been cured by an infusion 
of the ashes of broom in wine. The secretion of urine may 
be greatly promoted by nitre. It is said that dropsy has been 
cured by taking a drachm of nitre every morning in a draught 
of ale, after being given over as incurable. The powder of 
squills is likewise a good diuretic. Six or eight grains of it, 
with a scruple of nitre, may be given twice a day in a glass 
of strong cinnamon water. 



CHAPTEE IX. 
CASUALTIES. 

SECTION I. 
COKCTJSSIOK OF THE BRAIN. 



This is occasioned by a blow, shock, or stunning, more or 
less severe, which is communicated directly or indirectly to 
the brain. 

In severe cases, the loss of sensation may exist for many 
hours, and it is attended by partial reaction, which increases 
if treatment be not employed, to inflammation of the brain. 
In the first stage little can be done ; as consciousness returns, 
bleeding may be employed ; and should the febrile symptoms 
increase, cold to the head, purgatives, and counter-irritation 
are to be employed. The prognosis is often unfavorable, 
from the occurrence of extravasation, which may take place 
during convalescence. This is marked by the return of tor- 
por, with stertorous breathing, etc. 



SECTION II. 
^FUAINS.—iSuUuxation.) 



A sprain is an injury of a joint, in which it has been 
twisted or strained in any direction further than its natural 
range of motion allows, but without actual dislocation of the 
bones. In every sprain, the ligaments of the joints are 
preternaturally stretched, and in severe ones they are often 
partially torn. Hence follows inflammation of the ligaments 

~ (315) 



316 DIMNESS OF SIGHT. 

and the soft parts suiTounding the joint, and in bad cases, of 
the capsular ligament itself. 

Treatment. — This class of troublesome injuries are profit- 
ably treated with arnica^ at the commencement, both as an 
internal remedy, and externally as a lotion. The first indi- 
cation is to allay inflammation ; and where this is considera- 
ble, the copious and repeated application of leeches is often 
required, with purgatives, and an antiphlogistic regimen, 
and sometimes general blood-letting. The local application 
may sometimes consist of cold lotions or hot fomentations, 
according to circumstances. When all danger of inflamma- 
tion is past, the joint is to be strengthened by friction with 
stimulating liniments, the application of bandages, etc. While 
any inflammation prevails, perfect rest of the joint must 
be insisted on ; when weakness merely is present, gentle ex- 
ercise is serviceable. 



SECTION III. 
DIMKESS OF SIGHT. 



Symjptonis, — ^The patient often imagines he sees flies, cob- 
webs, and particles of dust floating in the air, and can not dis- 
tinguish clearly any object, either near to him or at a distance. 

Causes. — Pressure on the optic nerves within the skull, by 
tumor or other causes, as apoplexy, intemperance, etc. 

Treatment. — Blisters, issues, or a seton to the back of the 
neck. Snufi", by exciting a discharge from the nose, is very 
serviceable. As many causes of this disease are seated in 
the stomach and intestines, a light emetic may be first ad- 
ministered, and then a succession of purgatives for several 
days or weeks. 



COMPOUNDS. 



SELECT MEDICAL PREPARATIONS FOR FAMILY 
USE AND CONVENIENCE. 



By a componnd we mean the union of two or more ingredi- 
ents in one mass or body, as bitters, sirups, decoctions, in- 
fusions, tinctures, confections, pills, liniments, plasters, oint- 
ments, poultices, clysters, lotions, etc. 

There being a number of preparations, which have been 
found of great practical use, but which would not properly 
find a place in either of the foregoing diyisions of this work, 
it has been deemed advisable to place them in the position 
they here occupy. For greater convenience they will be found 
divided under several appropriate headings. 



ALTERATIVE BITTERS, 



rOR IMPUEITIES IX THE BLOOD. 



Take of black cohosh, gentian, ginseng, sarsaparilla, dwarf 
elder, prickly-ash bark, blue-flag root, seneka snake-root, 
wintergreen, or pipsissewa, gold-thread, yellow-dock root, and 
Virginia snake-root, each, half an ounce ; blood-root, one-fourth 
of an ounce. Put the whole in a vessel ; pour upon them two 
quarts of boiling water ; stir the preparation well ; keep it as 
near the fire as can be done without boiling, for twelve hours, 
but not over the fire ; when cool put the dregs with the liquor 
into a large jug, then add three pints of the best Holland 
gin ; shake it once, and not again. 

( 317 ) 



318 MEDICAL COMPOUDS. 

This medicine is designed to be just laxative enough not 
to weaken the patient ; after having taken it a day or two, 
should it not prove laxative, add a pint of water to the con- 
tents in the jug ; if not then, add a little more ; and if not 
then, add until it is ; for if too strong it will not produce 
a cathartic effect. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful, (more or less in quantity as 
the patient can bear), three times a day, half an hour before 
each meal. 

DEINKS m FEYERS. 



1. Take of mulberry juice, strained, one pint ; refined sugar, 
one and a half pounds. Dissolve and make a sirup. This is 
both aperient and demulcent, and may be exhibited with 
advantage in fever drinks. 

2. Or, the juice of sorrel may be put into the patient's 
drink, which will prove peculiarly servicable in intermittents, 
or other fevers. 

POISON. 



When a person has swallowed poison deliberately or by 
chance, get half a glass of warm water, and mix with it fine 
salt and ground mustard, of each, one tea spoonful; catch 
firm hold of the person's nose, and the mouth will soon fly 
open, then give him to drink the mixture ; in a few minutes 
the poison will be ejected ; then have the patient swallow the 
white of an ^gg^ followed by a cup of strong coffee. 



SCARLET FEYER. 



The Baltimore Sun says: "We published a year or two 
ago, a simple remedy for scarlet fever ; being no other than 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 319 

nibbing the patient thoroughly with fat bacon. We have since, 
at different times, received assurances from different parties, 
whom the notice led to make a trial of it, of the entire suc- 
cess of the experiment. Others are just now sending us 
testimonials of the astonishing and speedy cures recently 
wrought by it. "We mention the matter that others ' may go 
and do likewise.' " 



CURES FOE CANCERS. 



1. Arsenic and sulphur, with powdered crow-foot leaves 
mixed with white of egg. 

2. Arsenic and extract of conium. 

3. Sulphate of zinc, and extract of blood-root. 

4. Chloride of zinc and blood-root. 

5. Potash alone, boiled down to the consistence of a 
plaster. 

6. Evaporate the spirituous infusion of bitter-sweet, stra- 
monium, conium, belladonna, yellow-dock and poke, adding 
fresh butter to make an ointment ; the poke and dock roots are 
used separately. 

7. A celebrated Cancer powder is composed of arsenic, 
charcoal, and cinnebar. 

8. The acetate of copper mixed with vegetable extracts is 
also used. 

9. Or, take the yolk of an egg^ with as much fine salt as 
it will absorb ; stir it to a salve, and apply a plaster of it 
spread upon silk, twice a day. 

10. Or, bathe the Cancer three or four times a day with a 
solution of brandy and salt. 

11. Or, a grated carrot, boiled quite soft makes an excellent 
poultice for Cancers. 

12. Or, take of white arsenic and brimstone in powder, 
each, three small tea-spoonsful ; dog fennel, two or three sprigs ; 



320 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

rananculus flammula, about a handful ; the two last should be 
well pounded, all mixed in a mortar, and made into small 
balls the size of a nutmeg and dried in the sun. These balls 
are to be powdered and mixed with the yolk of an egg^ and 
laid over the sore or Cancer upon a piece of bladder, which 
must be cut to the size of the sore, and smeared with the yolk 
of an egg. The plaster must not be moved until it drops off 
of itself, which will probably be in from seven to eight days. 
Clean bandages are often to be put on. 



DEY COUGH AND CROUP. 



1. Take of squill root, and seneka-root, bruised, each, four 
ounces ; tartar emetic, forty-eight grains ; water, two quarts ; 
sugar, three and a half pounds. Make a decoction of the 
roots and water; add the sugar to the strained liquor; simmer 
it down to three j)ints of sirup, and add the tartar emetic 
while warm. 

It is emetic and expectorant according to the quantity. 

Dose. — For an adult half a tea spoonful. 

2. Or, an infusion of lungwort, together with horehound, 
elecampane, and hyssop, is considered a very valuable remedy 
in coughs. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful night and morning. 



DROPSY. 



1. Mustard whey is used in Dropsy. This is made by boil- 
ing an ounce of bruised mustard seed in a pint of milk, and 
straining. 

Dose. — A gill three times a day. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 32] 

2. Or, take two ounces of the inner bark of elder, infuse it 
in five pints of white wine for twenty-four hours. 

Dose. — A wine glassful every morning fasting, and another 
at bedtime. 

S. Or, take every day, cream of tartar dissolved in water. 



COUGHS. 



Take of horehound, Irish moss, white balsam, liverwort, 
boneset, licorice ball, elecampane root, and comfrey root, of 
each, one ounce ; water, two quarts ; boil to the consumption 
of one quart, and strain ; then add one pound of loaf sugar, 
and boil ten minutes ; when cold add one pint of Jamaica 
spirits. This makes an excellent sirup in^ pulmonary com- 



Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day, an hour before 
eating or drinking. 



STRAISTGUAEY, 



1. Make a decoction of either juniper berries, wild hyssop, 
or hops, and drink freely. 

2. Or, take for the same purpose a tea spoonful of powdered 
gum arable in a tumbler half full of any mild drink. 



FEVER AND AGUE. 



Take of black cohosh root, one ounce; gum guaiacum, one 
and a half ounce, pulverized ; put these into a bottle contain- 
ing one pint of good Madeira wine. 



322 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

Dose. — One tea spoonful three times a day ; one tea spoon- 
ful before the approach of the paroxysm of the ague. Half 
the quantity for a child. Continue the use of this medicine 
a week after the ague is broken. 



WEAK EYES. 



A valuable eye- water for weak and sore eyes, may be made 
by dissolving five grains of acetate of morphia, ten grains of 
sugar of lead, and six grains of sulphate of zinc, in five ounces 
of rose-water. With this wash the eyes three times a day. 



COLDS AND COUGHS, 



1. Take one-third salt, two-thirds vinegar, half a tea spoon- 
ful of essence of anise, and a little cayenne pepper. Mix. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful every hour or two. 

2. For a common cough a sirup may be made of equal parts 
of lemon juice, horehound and sugar candy. 



ULCERS. 



1. In Ulcers of every kind, it will be advisable to admin- 
ister an alterative course of medicine, and this will be more 
particularly necessary if the sore has been of long continu- 
ance, or is attended by a considerable discharge. 

2. A poultice made of slippery elm bark and white lily, 
greased with a little fresh butter or lard, will be found a val- 
uable application in Ulcers and fistulas. 

3. When there is fungous flesh present, some fine blood-root, 
mandrake-root, or burnt alum, may be sprinkled on the fun- 
gous parts, and then a poultice should be laid over the whole. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 323 

EKYSIPELAS. 



This malignant disorder, so often prevailing as an epidemic, 
and extending its ravages among young and old, has too 
frequently proved fatal, and must inevitably do so when it 
comes in contact with the brain, and such is very frequently 
the case if neglected too long. In order therefore to prevent 
this awful result, and effectually cure the disease, mash a 
sufficient quantity of raw cranberries, and apply blood warm 
in form of poultice to the part affected ; and continue to re- 
new this until every vestige of the disease is eradicated. 



PILES. 



Take of sweet fern and bayberry, equal parts ; make a de- 
coction and drink freely. It is an excellent medicine for the 
above complaint. 

ca:n"kek. 



Put some of the herb of centaury in a covered glass of cold 
water, permitting it to stand in the sun twenty-four hours. 
This is of great value in Cankers, ulcers, and sores of long 
duration ; in scald-head also, and all impurities of the blood. 

Dose. — A table spoonful three or four times a day. 



II^DIGESTIOK 



Let the daily bread be made of unbolted wheat; also, 
make free use of the cold bath and flesh brush ; and exercise 
much in the fresh air. 

DIAEEHEA. 



An infusion of sweet fern is invaluable in Diarrhea, dysen- 
tery, and bloody-flux ; it is very strengthening, hence it is use- 
ful in chronic debility. 



324 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

It is also used for inflammation, rheumatism, and night 
sweats. 

COUGHS AND COLDS. 



Flax-seed tea sweetened with sugar is highly beneficial for 
Coughs, and Colds on the chest ; bronchitis, and catarrhal 
affections. An application of flax-seed meal, prepared by 
way of poultice, is very valuable for inflammations. 



BRUISES AND SWELLINGS. 



Put wormwood in a pint bottle of rum, and add a tea spoon- 
ful of salt-petre ; wash the wound, bruise, or swelling with it, 
and bind on a cloth saturated with the same ; being particular 
to keep it constantly moist. 



JAUNDICE. 



1. Take an emetic to cleanse the stomach, then use a bitter 
to regulate the bile and restore the digestive functions. 

2. The patient should take daily as much exercise as he 
can bear, either on horseback or in a carriage. 

This course has affected a cure in very many instances. 

3. A long journey often performs a permanent cure. 



PAEALYSIS OE PALSY. 



1. Take of spikenard and ginger, each, two drachms ; of 
the seeds of sage toasted by the fire, one ounce ; black pepper, 
one and a half ounce, — these being reduced to fine powder, 
put as much of the juice of sage as may make them into a 
mass for pills. 

Dose, — Take a drachm's weight night and morning, fasting ; 
drinking a little pure water after them. 

2. As an external application, bruised nettle leaves are 
good to excite the skin. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 325 

TAPE-WOEM. 



The root of the plant male-fern, Felix mas^ has been highly 
extolled for its effects upon the taenia or Tape- worm. 

Dose. — From two to three spoonsful in powder, followed by 
a cathartic. 

CHEOlSriC DISEASES. 



Tar water, is drank with advantage in many chronic dis- 
eases, particularly of the lungs and skin. 

It is made by infusing tar in water, stirring it from time to 
time, and, lastly pouring off;the clear liquor, now impregnated 
with the color and virtues of the tar. 



SUB-ACUTE KHEUMATISM. 

Take of bitter-sweet bark of root, prickly-ash bark, wild- 
cherry bark, elecampane-root, pipsissewa tops, horse-radish 
roots, and mustard seed, each, half an ounce; tar, one gill; 
brandy, one pint ; a larger quantity in the same proportion. 

Dose. — A small wine glassful three times a day. 



INFLAMMATIOlSr OF THE KIDI^EYS. 



1. Eub the lower part of the back with sweet .oil, and drink 
freely of the infusion of balm. 

2. Or, apply cloths wrung out in hot vinegar ; and leeches 
to the hemorrhoidal veins, as a discharge from these will 
afford the patient great relief. 



SCUEYY. 



Eat freely of vegetables and fresh meat; also of apples, 
oranges, lemons, tamarinds, etc., and gargle the throat often 
with cayenne pepper. 

28 



326 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

PALSY. 



1. Keep the bowels open, and encourage perspiration by 
the use of hot or stimulating drinks. 

2. Apply mustard poultices to the feet, and rub the part 
affected briskly with a flannel wet in hot drops. 



PILES. 



1. Make a constant use of warm water and molasses, with 
a syringe ; if persistingly used it will certainly affect a cure. 

2. For an ointment, make use of sulphur, cream of tartar, 



and lard, simmered together. 



KING-WOKM. 



1. It is said that the common mushroom catsup, rubbed 
upon the afiected part, was never known to fail of effecting a 
cure. 

2. Strong tobacco juice, used as a lotion or wash, is an in- 
fallible remedy. 

QUIXSY. 



1. Make an infusion of the buds, leaves, and bark of the 
blackberry bush, and use as a gargle. 

2. Or, use hyssop boiled with figs. 

3. In mild cases of sore throat, a strong tea of witch-hazel 
leaves and golden seal, with the fourth of a tea spoonful of 
cayenne in each dose, will usually remove it. 



SPRAINS. 



1. Bind to the part affected wormwood saturated with hot 
drops. 

2. Or, apply a poultice made of wheat bran, or rye bran 



and vinegar. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 327 

HICCOUGHS. 



1. Take thirty-five or forty drops of paregoric, and apply 
hops and wormwood, after having been slightly simmered in 
vinegar, to the stomach. 

2. Or, take a long draught of cold water, or a few swallows 
of vinegar. 

ASTHMA. 



1. Skunk cabbage root, administered in form of sirup, or 
dried and smoked through a clean pipe, will afford relief. 

3. Or, the tincture of lobelia, or ipecacuanha, may be given 
at intervals, till it produces slight nausea without vomiting. 

3. Small doses of sirup of squill is a very simple remedy. 

4. It is said, that to burn in a lodging room on retiring, a 
piece of brown paper, about a quarter of a yard square, which 
has been saturated in strong salt-petre water, will afford great 
relief in Asthma. 

PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 



1. Take from eight to sixteen drops daily of the tincture of 
stramonium. 

2. Or, take tincture of gum guaiacum. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful twice a day in a little milk. 



MEASLES. 



This is a contagious disease, usually prevailing in the 
winter. The principal object we should have in view, is to 
keep the eruption upon the surface of the body. Let the 
patient drink freely of boneset, or saffron tea, which are both 
valuable. Let these be his only drinks, taking care to be 
well covered with a blanket or comforter so as to produce 
copious perspiration Mustard plasters applied to the feet 
are very serviceable. Let the bowels be kept gently open 
with rhubarb. 



328 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

LOCK-JAW. 



1. When Lock-jaw is apprehended from any wound or 
scratch, cut the rind from pickled or salt pork, and bind it to 
the affected part. 

2. Or, apply a soft salve, made of pulverized chalk, mixed 
with strong soft soap. 

3. Or, bathe the part freely with either lye, or saleratus water. 



LITER COMPLAINT. 



1. Take a strong infusion of Virginia snake-root three 
times a day. 

2. Or, make free use of composition powder, and wear a 
plaster on the side constantly. 



PILES. 



1. A decoction of the roots and leaves of mullien, both 
taken as a beverage and used as clysters, is considered to be 
very useful for the Piles. 

2. An ointment made of the bruised leaves in lard is also 
a good external application. 



PLEUPJSY. 



1. Make a drink of the herb called heart's-ease, or mallows, 
and also at the same time make use of an external application 
of hops. 

For this purpose they may be put into a bag, thoroughly 
saturated with hot vinegar, and applied to the painful part as 
hot as can be borne. This course will remove acute pains in 
any part of the body. 

2. Or, take a tea spoonful of pleurisy-root in powder, or 
half a tea cupful of the decoction several times a day. This 
is usually considered curative. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 329 

HEMOEEHAGE OF THE LUKGS. 



1. Boil one ounce of driecl yellow-dock root in a pint of 
milk. Drink a tea cupful three times a day. 

2. Or, eat freely of raw table salt. 

3. Or, take a tea spoonful three or four times a day of equal 
parts of rosin and powdered loaf sugar. 



LOSS OF APPETITE. 



1. A tonic bitter is made as follows : One part tansy, one 
part wormwood, six parts bayberry root ; boil out the strength, 
and sweeten to the taste. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful three or four times a day. 

2. Or, steep two ounces of thorough wort, one ounce quassia, 
in one quart of water; when cool, strain, and add half a pint 
of good port wine. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful three times a day, half an 
hour before each meal. 



BLEEDmO AT THE NOSE. 



1. Pour cold water upon the back of the neck, and put a 
ball of rag up the nostril, dipped in equal parts of white 
of ^gg.^ sugar, and burnt alum. 

2. Or, soak the feet in warm water ; put lint up the nose, 
wet with hot drops; and keep the temples -wet with cold 
water. 

EHEUMATISM. 



Put one swamp or meadow cabbage root into a quart of 
boiling water ; boil it away to a pint ; when cold, add a pint 
of rum and a little salt-petre ; always shake before apply- 
ing, and rub it well on the parts affected. Some of the clear 
iisfusion of the root will be found very useful, if taken inter- 
nally just before making use of the external application. 



330 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

COUGHS AXD COLDS. 

Black or wild cherries, or the bark, put into a bottle, or 
tight vessel, filled with any kind of spirituous liquor, ia 
invaluable for colds, coughs, hoarseness, and shortness of 
breath, asthmatic affections, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery- 
cholera-morbus, etc. 

Dose. — A table spoonful five or six times a day. 



ASTHMA. 



1. A sirup or conserve of the flowers of woodbine has been 
found by experience to be very beneficial in Asthma ; also 
the fresh roots of elecampane made into a sirup. 

2. Or, the powder of the dried roots mixed with honey, 
has also been employed for the same purpose. 



WEAK NERVES. 



Drink freely of scullcap tea, and take exercise by riding, 
as often as circumstances will permit. 

These are considered the very safest and best of remedies. 



SCROFULA. 



1. A mixture of brandy and salt, equal parts, applied ex- 
ternally, is of utility ; take also four table spoonsful of the 
same during the day. 

2. Or, bathe daily in sea-water, and drink small quantities 
of the same. 

3. Or, bathe the swellings with a strong decoction of 
hemlock. 

SICKNESS AT THE STOMACH. 



Drink an infusion of peppermint ; or, of peach leaves and 
spearmint. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 331 

BUKlSrS AIS^D SCALDS. 



1. The juice of onions is considered to be good for scalds 
and burns, by fire or gunpowder. 

2. An application of the ointment of white-lily root is said 
to answer a similar purpose. 

3. Apply cotton wool to the part, saturated in sweet oil. 

4. Or, bathe the burn frequently with strong green tea. 

5. An ointment of lard and soot is excellent for burns. 
Keep the bowels open. 



SOEE THROAT. 



1. Chew white pond-lily root ; or, gargle with an infusion 
of the same. 

2. Or, gargle the throat with a mixture made of two tea 
spoonsful of fine salt, one of cayenne pepper, and a cup of 
water. 

3. Or, inhale through a tunnel the steam of hot vinegar, 
in which sage leaves have been steeped. 



TOOTH-ACHE. 



1. Take of alum, powdered, two drachms ; nitrous spirits 
of ether, seven drachms ; mix, and apply a little to the tooth. 
This is said to be a certain cure. 

2. The oil of cinnamon is a powerful stim*ulaut, a little of 
vhich may be put on lint, and applied to hollow teeth to cure 
the Tooth-ache. 

CEOUP. 

1. Take goose grease, rubbing the throat with it at the same 
time till it produces vomiting. 

2. Or, cut raw onions into thin slices ; between and over 
them put brown sugar, and let it dissolve. A tea spoonful 
of this sirup will produce immediate relief. 



332 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

TUxMOPvS. 



Apply a poultice made of corn meal and slippery elm, 
equal parts, with a little salt added ; mix with weak lye. 



WAKTS. 

"Wash the wart with milk-weed ; or, apply caustic to the 
same. 

CUTS AND WOUNDS. 



Apply tobacco saturated in whisky to the injured part 
keep it wet, and a cure may be speedily expected. 



ULCERS. 

Apply a poultice made of cracker, wet with New En- 
gland rum. This has proved one of the most effectual appli- 
cations which has come within our range of use, for old, 
indolent ulcers, or putrid sores. 



CHICKEN-POX. 



Keep the patient cool, and administer a dose of salts. 
Let him remain in bed. After the salts have performed an 
operation, a little saffron tea may be advantageously given. 
These will be sufficient to remove the symptoms. 



MUMPS. 

This disease is considered to be contagious ; it seldom 
attacks adults, but is principally found in children. It is not 
confined to any particular season of the year. A dose of 
cream of tartar, or epsom salts, and warm fomentations to 
the parts, together with quietude and confinement to the 
house, are sufficient to perfect a cure. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 333 

WEAK STOMACH. 



Put a good handful of wormwood in a quart pitcher of 
cold water, and let it remain ; cover it, and stand it away in 
a cool place. 

Dose. — Take two or three swallows, three times a day, 
upon an empty stomach. 



FEYERS. 

Take half an ounce of gum camphor; pour upon it a 
pint of boiling water. Stir it. "When cold, take a table 
spoonful every two hours, on the day when a cathartic is not 
given . 

Bind also each night the half of a raw onion upon the sole 
of each foot. 

This course will have a great tendency to check the fever, 
as well as to aid the other medicines given. 



INTERl^^AL WOUKDS OR INJURIES. 



For internal injuries resulting from blows or falls, mix of 
spermaceti and molassess, equal parts, and take a tea spoon- 
ful three or four times a day, as hot as can be conveniently 
swallowed. 

DROPSY. 



Lemons are recommended for Dropsy in a Russian medi- 
cal journal, and are said to be beneficial in the most hopeless 
cases. The first day one lemon was given, after taking the 
peel off and cutting it into small pieces, in sugar ; the two 
following days three were given, and afterwards eighteen 
every day. For nourishment meat was given. In every 
case the water came off the seventh day. 



331 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

COXSUMPTIOX. 



1. In this complaint, medicine will not always produce the 
desired effect. Make free use of the warm bath and the flesh 
brush. 

2. Take a small quantity of the expressed juice of hoar- 
hound, (the herb,) and mix it with a half pint of new milk; 
drink it warm every morning ; — if persistingly used, it will 
prove a highly valuable remedy in the above complaint. 

3. Or, let the patient take as much exercise as he can bear, 
both by walking and riding, and be temperate and regular 
in all his habits. 

COLDS AXD COUGHS. 



1. Pour a gill of molasses over a hot boiled turnip, per- 
mitting it to stand fifteen minutes, then turn off the sirup and 
squeeze the turnip. 

To be taken warm on going to bed. 

2. Or, drink freely of life-everlasting tea ; — it is excellent. 

3. Or, take of molasses, four ounces; honey, five ounces; 
vinegar, seven ounces. Mix, and simmer over the fire fifteen 
minutes ; then add wine of ipecac, two drachms. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful every hour. 



COSTIYENESS. 



1. Make use of coarse wheat and rye, or rye and corn 
meal bread. 

2. Or, golden-seal infused in wine, and taken as a bitter. 

3. Or, take a little rhubarb every day. 



CAIS^KER. 



1. Make an infusion of the leaves of raspberry, or the low, 
blackberry bush. 

2. Or, burnt alum held in the mouth is very good. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 335 

WHOOPIXG COUGH. 



1. Take frequently slight emetics of tincture of lobelia, or 
wine of ipecac. Keep the bowels open. 

2. Or, put a tea spoonful of castor oil to a table spoonful 
of molasses. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful whenever the cough is annoying. 



CRAMPS IX THE STOMACH. 



1. Take freely of composition powder, or hot drops. 

2. If the pain is severe, give sixty drops of paregoric. 
8. Or, a tea spoonful of essence of peppermint. 

4. Or, a half gill of raw brandy, with ten drops of laudanum. 



CHOLERA MORBUS. 



1. Apply a flannel cloth, wrung out in hot water or spirits, 
over the whole surface of the stomach. Give freely the com- 
position powder and hot drops, so as to produce a copious 
sweat. 

2. If the pain is very severe, make use of any of the 
remedies prescribed for cramps. 



CORXS. 

1. Take equal parts of roasted onion and soft soap ; beat 
well, and apply the mixture hot on retiring to bed. 

2. Or, dissolve half an ounce of caustic potash in one ounce 
of water, and wet the corn every night. 

3. Or, bind the half of a raw cranberry on every night. 

4. Or, wet a piece of licorice ball and rub the Corns with 
it every night. 

5. Or, apply a plaster of white turpentine to the corn, per- 
mitting it to remain till it falls off. Repeat this three times. 



336 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

DEINKS FOE THE SICK. 



1. Put a lemon sliced and thinly pared into a close vessel; 
add a small piece of the peel, and a sufficient quantity of 
sugar ; pour upon them a quart of boiling water, and close 
them tight for two hours. 

2. Another may be made by cutting two large apples in 
thin slices, or by taking two roasted apples, and pouring upon 
them a quart of boiling water ; strain them after they have 
stood three hours, and sweeten slightly. 

3. Or, put a little sage tea, a little wood sorrel, and two or 
three sprigs of balm, into a stone jug (having first washed 
and dried them), peel thin a lemon, slice it, and put in with it 
a small piece of the peel ; then pour in two quarts of boiling 
water, sweeten, and cover it close. 



WORM EEMEDY. 



Take of myrrh, aloes, saffron, each, one ounce ; infuse the 
myrrh five days in half pint of rum or brandy, then add the 
aloes and saffron. 

Dose. — Give a tea spoonful twice a month to children, and 
they will never be annoyed with "Worms. 



BILIOUS COLIC. 



1. A decoction of squam-bcrry is available in this com- 
plaint ; when that will not produce the desired effect, take the 
tobacco worm from the under part of the leaf, squeeze out all, 
and take with molasses. This has saved life when aU other 
medicines proved futile or of no effect. 

2. Or, take of hog's lard. West India molasses, the urine 
of beast, and West India rum, each, one gill. Simmer well 
together. This compound, when taken, it is said, will seldom 
fail of performing an effectual cure. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 337 

lEKITATIOX OF THE LUNGS. 



Balsam of honey is of great service in hoarseness, and allay- 
ing Irritation of the Lungs. 

It has often cured coughs which have been considered of a 
dangerous character. 

The balsam is made after the follovs^ing manner. Take of 
balsam of Tolu, two ounces ; opium, and gum storax, each, two 
drachms ; honey, eight ounces. Dissolve these in one quart 
of spirit of wine. 

DECAYED TOOTH. 



Take of gum camphor, spirits of turpentine, and opium, 
equal parts ; rub them in a mortar to a paste. Put into the 
cavity of the tooth. This, it is said, will cure, and prevent a 
defective tooth from ever aching. 



WHITE SWELLmOS. 



Melt in a small iron, or earthen vessel, soap, two ounces; 
litharge plaster, one ounce. When nearly cold, stir in of 
Balammoniac, in fine powder, one drachm; spread it upon 
leather, and apply to the part afiected. 



FKEOKLES. 



Take of lemon juice, two ounces ; borax powdered, half a 
drachm ; sugar, one drachm ; mix together, and let them stand 
in a glass bottle, for five days ; then rub it on the face and 
hands occasionally. 

SCEOFULA. 



A decoction of pipsissewa is considered a very effectual 
medicine in Scrofula, and often proves curative when persist- 
ijDgly taken. 



338 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

LOCK-JAW. 



Bind npon the wound, and in close contact with it, a com- 
mon cent, or any piece of copper. It is said this will afford 
immediate relief, and effect a cure. 

Tarnished copper is considered best. 



SALT KHEUM. 



1. A wash or lotion made of one pound plantain leaves, 
two quarts beef brine, one quart urine, — boiled one hour, is 
said to be a certain remedy in this complaint, provided somo 
internal medicine is taken at the same time to purify the blood. 

2. Or, take a strong decoction of swamp sassafras bark, and 
wash the part affected ; to the remainder of the decoction, 
add hog's lard, simmer it over a moderate fire till the water 
is gone. Anoint the part affected after washing. Continue 
five days. Considered an infallible remedy. 



RATTLES IN CIIILDREX. 



Administer to the patient blood-root, powdered. 
Dose, — A small tea spoonful. 

If the first does not remove the complaint in half an hour, 
repeat again three times. This has invariably proved curative. 



CANKER. 



Take of blackberry root and bark, gold-thread, and winter- 
green or pipsissewa ; each, one ounce. Boil out the strength, 
and strain ; put in one pound of honey, and make a sirup by 
again boiling. 

This is excellent for Canker in the mouth, throat, and 
stomach, likewise for all impurities of the blood. 

Dose.— -A. table spoonful three times a day, an hour before 
each meal. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 339 

HECTIC COUGH. 



Take three table spoonsful of honey, three yolks of hen's 
eggs, and one spoonful of tar ; beat well together ; add one 
gill of wine. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful three times a day, an hour before 
each meal. 



WETTING THE BED AT NIGHT. 



Infuse two ounces of good red-bark in one quart of wine 
for twenty-four hours. 

Dose. — A table spoonful for a child three years of age ; if 
older a little more. 



DROPSY. 



1. Take of mountain cranberry, herb and root together ; 
make a decoction and drink. 

This is highly serviceable in Dropsy, suppression of nrine, 
and gravel complaints. 

2. Or, take a table spoonful once or twice a day, of the 
expressed juice of red onions, in their crude or raw state, and 
also take a little wine occasionally to make new blood. The 
juice of the onion will afford relief in suppression of urine in 
fifteen minutes. It may be bottled in gin and kept for use. 
Its virtues are improved by age. 

3. Or, take of elecampane root, blue-flag root, each, half a 
pound ; soft water, two gallons ; boiled down to one quart, and 
sweetened with a pint of molasses. 

Dose. — Half a gill half an hour before each meal. 

4. Or, a decoction of checkerberry is considered excellent 
in Dropsy, if persistingly used. 

Make use of it as a common beverage, or drink. 

6. Whortleberries, and the roots of the shrub, possesses 



310 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

powerful diuretic qualities. When infused in Ilolland gin 
they are very valuable in dropsical and nephritic complaints. 

6. Or, take juniper ashes, with molasses and gin. 
These will carry off the water, and prove curative. 

7. Or, Take one gallon of sound cider, a double handful of 
parsley tops and roots cut fine ; a handful of horse-radish 
scraped or grated fine ; two spoonsful of mustard seed, 
bruised ; three ounces of juniper berries ; half an ounce 
oxymel of squills. Put into a jug ; set it near the fire, and 
shake frequently during twenty-four hours. 

Dose. — For an adult half a wine glassful three times a day, 
half an hour before each meal. 



TUMORS. 



Many obstinate tumors and ulcers have been cured by an 
application of chloride of zinc mixed with the exti'act of blood- 
root. It is principally used to kill tumors and make them 
fall out of their places ; for which purpose it is said to have 
been in use for a hundred years. 



FAIXS IX THE TEETH. 



Take two poppy heads ; break them, and put the seeds in 
a saucepan, with half a handful of chamomile flowers ; add a 
pint of water. Boil and strain. "With a soft brush wash the 
teeth in this decoction. A frequent application wiH remove 
all soreness. 

EAR-ACHE. 



1. Put into the ear the heart of a roasted onion. 

2. Or, mix a little sweet oil and paregoric, and put a few 
drops warm, into the ear, by lying the head down on the 
opposite side. 

3. In cases of abscess, use poultices of bread and milk, or 
of roasted onions. Renew them till the abscess breaks. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 341 

DEAFI^ESS. 



Place the head upon a pillow, and put a little fine salt into 
the ear daily. 

This has proved curative in very many cases. 



PROFUSE MEKSES. 



Take of lavender seeds and rosemary, each, one ounce ; 
put them in a bottle with a pint of good brandy. 

Dose, — Half a wine glassful three times a day. 



GOUT. 



1. Keep the foot and leg lightly bandaged, cover with soft 
wool, saturated in sweet oil. 

2. Make use of the composition and pennyroyal freely. 



HEAD-ACHE 



1. If the stomach be overcharged with mucus, or bile, 
remove it by an emetic. 

2. Or, take one or two doses of cathartic medicine. 

3. Or, drink freely of boneset tea, which will prove very 
efficient. 

SOEE EYES. 



1. Wash the eyes with warm milk and water ; apply the 
ointment of white precipitate night and morning, if very 
sore. 

2. Or, the essence of peppermint. 

3. Some persons have derived great benefit in sore eyes by 
a frequent application of an infusion of the flowers of poppies 
in rum. 

29 



342 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

GRAYEL. 



1. Take a handful of smartweed ; make an infusion, and 
add to it one gill of Holland gin. Drink it all in ten hours. 
This is considered to be one of the best of remedies. 

2. Make a strong decoction of china-root, and drink freely. 

3. Or, make a strong decoction of the herb heart's-ease, or 
pansy, and drink copiously. These are considered to be cer- 
tain remedies. 

4. Or, drink warm gum arable tea, or strong coffee without 
Bugar. Keep the bowels open. 

4. Lime-water is recommended, to be drank frequently. 
Dose, — One gill. 

HEART-BURN. 



1. Take a dose of composition powders. 

2. Or, take a tea spoonful of carbonate of soda, dissolved 
in a gill of water. 



COUGHS m CHILDREN. 



Take of fresh garlic, sliced, six ounces; distilled vinegar, 
one pint ; sugar, two pounds. Digest the garlic in vinegar 
four days ; express ; allow it to become clear, and make a 
sirup of the liquor. This is considered a stimulating ex- 
pectorant. 

Dose. — For a child one year old, a table spoonful four times 
a day; abstaining for half an hour after, from eating and 
drinking. 

PAINS IN FACE OR JOINTS. 



Take one ounce of belladonna salve, put it in half a pint of 
water. With this mixture bathe frequently ; wet a piece of 
flannel with the same and bind on the part affected. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 343 

SPRAIKS AISTD BEUISES. 



Take of olive oil, ten ounces ; oil of turpentine, four ounces ; 
dilute sulphuric acid, three drachms. Mix. This prepara- 
tion is considered to be a highly useful liniment in chronic 
affections of the joints, and in the removal of long-existing 
effects of sprains and bruises. 



JSriGHT SWEATS. 



1. Persons troubled with night sweats, may usually be 
cured by the remedial effects of cold sage tea, which should 
be taken copiously night and morning, abstaining from food. 

2. Or, take elixir of vitriol in a little sweetened water. 

Dose, — From twenty to thirty drops. 



CHEONIO COUGHS. 



Take of gum ammoniacum, ten grains ; salts of hartshorn, 
six grains; spermaceti, one scruple; sirup, a proper quan- 
tity to make into a thick consistence. This is administered 
with advantage in Chronic Coughs, and colds of long stand- 
ing, asthma, and in the incipient stages of consumption. 



SCUEYY. 



Take of the leaves of sorrel and succory, each, ten hands- 
ful; water-cresses, scurvy grass, and fir tops, of each, five 
ounces ; coriander seeds, one ounce. When bruised, add to 
them of orange juice, five ounces ; and common whey, three 
pounds. Let them stand awhile, then press out the liquor ; 
sweeten it with a little refined sugar, and clarify for use. It 
will not keep long, and therefore should be made as it is 
needed, 

Dose.—J)nioik from a quart to three pints through the day. 



344 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

KHEUMATISM. 



1. One remedy for Eheumatism is, to mix four table spoons- 
ful of castor oil, three of laudanum, two of camphor, one of 
spirits of turpentine, one of hartshorn ; put all in a bottle and 
shake it well, and apply frequently. 

2. Or, take half an ounce of gum camphor, half an ounce 
of hartshorn liniment, one gill of good whisky ; scrape a 
piece of castile soap the size of a walnut ; put the whole in a 
bottle ; shake it well and apply frequently. 

3. Or, take one pint of alcohol, one ounce of gnm mjrrh, 
and one table spoonful of cayenne pepper. Mix. 

Dose. — Take a tea spoonful of this mixture with sugar and 
water three times a day, half an hour before eating. 

4. Or, take two ounces of blue-flag root ; add a pint of 
Holland gin, and take a table spoonful three times a day; 
increase by degrees to a double dose. 



EHEUMATISM AXD STIFF JOIXTS. 



Take one ounce of gum guaiacum, and half a pint of the 
best brandy. Mix in a bottle. 

Dose. — One table spoonful every morning in half a glass 
of water. 

DKOPSY ON THE CHEST. 



Take half a pound of dried milk-weed, cut fine ; pour upon 
it five pints of boiling water ; put it over the fire and evapo- 
rate to a pint — when cold, add one quart of Holland gin, 
and bottle for use. Cork it tight, and let it stand twenty-four 
hours. 

Dose. — ^Half a wine glassful every four hours. If it nause- 
ates too much, the dose may be varied. Eflect perceptible in 
from four to six days. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 345 

WOEM EXPELLEE. 



Take of the best rhubarb, in powder, half a drachm ; calo- 
mel, six grains ; sirup, a proper quantity to mix. This is a 
very suitable purge for hypochondriac persons, but its princi- 
pal use is to expel "Worms. ^ 

Where a more powerful cathartic is required, jalap may be 
used in place of rhubarb. 



mTEEMITTEi^T FEYEES. 



Take of Peruvian bark, two ounces ; orange peel and 
cinnamon, each, half an ounce. Let the bark be powdered, 
and the other ins-redients bruised. Macerate the whole in a 
quart of wine or brandy for seven days in a close vessel ; then 
strain ofi* the tincture. 

Thisisnotonly applicable to Intermittent Fevers, but like- 
wise in the low, nervous, and putrid kinds, especially towards 
their decline. 

Dose. — From one to four tea spoonsful every six hours. It 
may be administered in any suitable beverage, and occasionally 
acidulated with lemon, or a few drops of some suitable acid. 



DEINKS IK FEYEES. 



1. An infusion of dried blackberries, or of sage, mixed 
with a little lemon juice, and taken when cold is a very good 
drink for the patient in fever. 

2. An infusion of white lily roots, or wood sorrel, with the 
addition of a roasted apple, drank cold, is of equal service. 

3. Or, take of lemon juice, strained, one pint; refined 
Bugar, two pounds. Dissolve and make a sirup. Tiiis is a 
very grateful, cooling, and acid sirup, which may be put into 
water, and very profitably given in febrile and bilious afiec- 
tionSj as a beverage. 



346 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

COUGHS. 



Take of the fresh roots of marsh-mallow, bruised, half a 
pound ; refined sugar, two and a half pounds ; water, two 
quarts. Boil down the water with the roots to half, and 
press. Set it bj for twenty-four hours to subside ; then pour 
off the clear liquor, add the sugar and boil down. 

This is an emollient and demulcent sirup, given in hoarse- 
ness, as well as in Coughs. 

Dose. — From a desert spoonful to two table spoonsful. 



DYSEXTERY. 



1. Take a dose of castor oil, apply a mustard poultice to 
the bowels, and bathe the stomach and bowels frequently with 
hot drops. 

2. Or, take one or two doses of rhubarb, and regulate the 
bowels by a proper diet. 

3. Or, make a tea of either dried blackberries or roots. 

4. Or, of the leaves and roots of mullien. 

5. Or, of marsh-mallow root, and continue its use. 

6. Let the diet be light and free from meats, or any thing 
which is improper for the stomach. 



FEYERS. 



Horseradish leaves bruised, and saturated in warm vinegar, 
and bound to the soles of the feet, are of excellent use in 
Fevers. 

CHILBLAINS. 



1. Make use of pig's-foot oil, which will effect an immedi- 
ate cure. 

2. It is said, also, that copal varnish is a very efficacious 
remedy. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 347 

INFLAMMATOEY EHEUMATISM. 



1. Mix olive oil and hartshorn to the consistence of cream ; 
then add a tea spoonful of pulverized salt-petre ; shake well 
each time before using ; apply, and rub well the parts affected 
three or four times a day, by the fire. 

2. Make use internally at the same time of an infusion of 
a handful of swamp cabbage or blue-flag roots, which have 
been previously steeped in a pint of good spirits three or four 
days. 

Dose. — A table spoonful three or four times a day ; half 
an hour before meals. 

3. Or, apply a poultice of hot potatoes — renew as often as 
it becomes cool or hard. 

Considered to be a valuable remedy. 



NEUEALGIA. 



1. " An application of the bruised leaves of horseradish 
for neuralgic or nervous pains in the teeth, face, or any other 
part of the body, has proved itself of great utility, by afibrd- 
iug almost instantaneous relief." 

2. Or, scrape the root of horseradish and bind on the part 
affected, which will afford relief in a short time. 

3. An application of belladonna will prove -equally service* 
able. 

TO STEE^GTHEIST THE KIDXEYS. 



Xidney beans, dried, powdered fine, and a tea spoonful 
taken at a time in Madeira wine, is said to strengthen the 
kidneys exceedingly, and prevent or remove the calculus for- 
mation, and suppression of urine ; they aid digestion, and 
tend to expand the chest, contracted by diseases of the respi- 
ratory organs. 



348 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

PEEYENTIYE AGAINST MALIGNANT FEYERS. 



Cut in two, a raw onion, place one piece under each arm 
next the skin, before enteriDg the room of the patient. 

The onion imbibes the virus, thereby preventing it from 
entering the body; throw it immediately away after leaving 
the room. 



DIAERHEA. 



1. Take of the sugar from molasses, "West India rum, sweet 
oil, each, one table spoonful; simmer well together. A valu- 
able remedy. 

2. Or, parch half a pint of rice perfectly brown ; then boil 
it as usual, and eat it slowly, — this will restrain the disease 
in a few hours. 



NAUSEA. 



Take of the infusion of mint, two tea cupsful; white sugar, 
two dessert spoonsful; oil of spearmit, three drops; compound 
tincture of cardamom, half an ounce. Mix. 

This is a grateful carminative ; and it is very useful in 
nausea or sickness at the stomach. 



DYSPEPSIA. 



1. Take a bottle half full of wild cherries, and fill it with 
any good pure spirits. Use no sugar. This has cured many. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful three times a day. 

2. Or, beef bones, burnt and reduced to powder. This is 
also highly recommended. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful three times a day, mixed with 
molasses. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 349 

PULMO^AEY COMPLAIIsrTS. 



Take of balsam of Tola one ounce ; spirit of wine, one 
pint. Infuse in a gentle heat until the balsam is dissolved ; 
then strain off the tincture. This possesses all the virtues of 
the balsam. In coughs and other complaints of the chest and 
lungs, it will be found very useful. 

Dose. — Take two tea spoonsful upon loaf sugar. Probably 
the best mode of use is in sirup. Take one ounce of the 
tincture, mix it thoroughly with two pounds of simple sirup. 
This makes what is usually called the balsamic sirup. 



EMBROCATIOISr FOR HEAD-ACHE. 



Take of red roses, half a pound ; strong vinegar, half a 
gallon. Infuse in a close vessel for a number of weeks in a 
gentle heat; and then strain off the liquor. This is princi- 
pally used as an embrocation for head-aches, etc. 



EROSIOiSrS OF THE mTESTUSTES, 



Take of sweet or olive oil, one pint ; yellow was half a 
pound ; medicinal turpentine four ounces ; red sanders, six 
drachms. Melt the wax with some of the oil over a gentle 
fire ; then add the remaining part of the oil and turpentine ; 
afterward mix the sanders, having been previously reduced to 
'powder, and continue to stir them till the compound is cold. 
This is recommended in erosions of the intestines, hemor- 
rhages, dysentery, internal bruises or injuries, and in some 
complaints of the chest. Externally it is employed for heal- 
ing and cleansing wounds and ulcers. 

Dose. — Internally, from one-third of a tea spoonful to two 
whole tea spoonsful. 



350 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

FELOX OE WHITLOW. 



1. Soak the finger in strong, hot lye of wood ashes, fre- 
quently, for half a hour at a time. 

2. Or, make use of poultices in connection with weak lye. 



PAIX IX THE BOWELS. 



Take of starch jelly, half a pint ; tincture of opium, from 
forty to sixty drops. Mix. 

Used in cases of dysentery or violent purging, and pain in 
the bowels. 

PILES. 



A large handful of the common mallow, or, of either kind 
of mallow, to suit convenience, simmered in a pint of milk ; 
when strained, mix with half the quantity of West India 
molasses, and take warm. It is an invaluable remedy for the 
Piles. 

CUTA^^EOUS DISEASES. 



The wood and resin of guaiacum are now in general medi- 
cinal use, and employed in gout and rheumatic pains, and 
many cutaneous diseases, either in form of tincture of the 



resin, or decoction of the wood. 



TO PKEYEXT THE HAIR FROM FALLING OFF. 



Take one pint of Bay rum ; half an ounce of lac sulphur ; 
quarter of an ounce of sugar of lead ; to one quart of rain 
water. Wet the head everv dav in this mixture. 



CO]SrSTlPATIOX. 



Take compound extract of colocynth, two scruples ; castile 
soap, one ounce ; water one pint. 

This injection is very useful in obstinate constipation. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 351 

FLATULENCY. 



1. Spearmint is an excellent stomachic as well as car- 
minative. 

Take of dried mint leaves, two drachms ; boiling water, 
two tea cupsful. Infuse and strain. 

Dose. — A wine glassful, or more. 

2. Or, drink a tea made of the seeds of anise, caraway, 
and coriander. 

3. Or, take the essence of peppermint, with a few drops of 
paregoric. 

INFLAMMATION". 



Cranberries in their crude or raw state, mashed and spread 
in form of a poultice, and applied blood warm, is excellent 
for burns, inSlammations, or inflammatory eruptions, sore 
throats, or lungs, and ague in the face proceeding from de- 
cayed teeth. 

THRUSH. 



Take of borax, powdered, one drachm ; honey, one ounce. 
Mix. A gargle or wash of this preparation is found highly 
serviceable in aphthous affections of the mouth and fauces, or 
canker in the mouth and throat ; being particular to keep the 
bowels open with magnesia. 



INTERNAL ULCERS. 



Take of winter bark, socotrine aloes, blood-root, gum myrrh, 
each, one ounce ; colt's-foot root, sassafras root, each two 
ounces ; put them in a tight vessel with two quarts of spirits. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful twice a day, an hour before 
eating or drinking. 



352 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

ITCH AND CUTANEOUS EKUPTIONS. 



The following liniment is a French preparation. It is 
composed of sulphuret of potassium, one part ; oil of poppy, 
ten parts ; common soap, five parts. 



SPASMODIC AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. 



Take of tinctm-e of asafoetida, half ounce ; tincture of 
opium, forty drops ; gruel, half pint. Mix. 

This is considered an excellent antispasmodic enema, for 
the above named complaint. 



CATAERH IN THE HEAD. 



Common table salt, used as a snufi" several times during the 
day, is always attended with beneficial results, and in many 
instances effects a cure. 



HIYES. 

1. This exanthematous complaint, most common to small 
children, is called urticaria or nettle rash. 

An application of either salt water, salt and vinegar, or 
acetate of ammonia, will usually effect a cure. It will be 
necessary, however, to occasionally administer a cathartic, in 
connection with the application. 

2. The Indians drink an infusion or tea of the root of sanicle 
or black-snake root, which they consider to be peculiarly ser- 
viceable in this complaint, as well as in croup, sore throat, 
cutaneous eruptions, fevers, etc. 



OIITMENTS 



The usual consistence of ointments is about that of butter. 
Some officinal ointments receive the name of cerates in differ- 
ent pharmacopoeias. 

OINTMENT FOE ULCERS. 



Take of distilled vinegar, six ounces ; prepared chalk, 
eight ounces ; plaster of lead, three pounds ; olive oil, one 
pint. Melt the plaster in the oil with a slow fire ; then gradu- 
ally add the chalk, separately mixed with the vinegar ; the 
effervescence being finished, stir constantly until they have 
cooled. 

This preparation is used as a dressing for indolent ulcers. 



NERYE OINTMENT. 



Take of beefs gall, one ounce ; spirits of turpentine, one 
ounce ; neat^s-foot oil, one gill ; brandy, half a pint. 

Simmer till mixed, and bottle for use. 

It is an excellent application for rheumatism, and perishing 
or contracted limbs. 

COLD CREAM OINTMENT. 



Take of rose-water, two ounces ; oil of almonds, two and 
a half ounces ; spermaceti, half an ounce ; white wax, two 
drachms. Put the spermaceti, oil, and wax, into a vessel, 
then put the vessel into a kettle of water over the fire, per- 
mitting it to boil until the ingredients are melted, then add 
the rose-water, and stir till cold. 

This is a fine, cooling, and emollient application. 

(353) 



354 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

OINTMENT OF STRAMONIUM. 



Take of fresh stramonium leaves, one pound; lard, three 
pounds ; yellow wax, half a pound. Boil the leaves in lard 
until crisp ; strain through a linen cloth ; add the wax, pre- 
viously melted, and stir till cold. 

This is anodyne ; and applied to irritable ulcers, etc. 



I 



OINTMENT OF HEMLOCK. 



Take of the fresh leaves of hemlock, and prepared hog's 
lard, each, two pounds. The hemlock is to be bruised in a 
marble mortar and mixed with the lard. They are then to be 
gently melted over the fire, and strained through a cloth. It 
is applied to cancerous, scrofulous, and ill-conditioned sores. 



TOBACCO OINTMENT. 



Take of fresh tobacco leaves, cut, one ounce;' lard, one 
pound. Boil till the leaves are crisp, and strain through 
linen. It is_applied to irritable ulcers and eruptions. 



ZINC OINTMENT. 



Take of oxide of zinc, one ounce ; lard, six ounces. Mix. 
It is a very useful application in chronic ophthalmia and re- 
laxed ulcers. 



EMOLLIENT OINTMENT. 



Take of yellow wax, half a pound ; Venice turpentine, four 
ounces ; olive oil, a pint and a half; palm oil, one pint and a 
half. Melt the wax in the oils, over a slow fire ; then mix 
the turpentine, and strain the ointment. 

This is used in cases of external inflammation, etc. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 365 

OINTMENT FOR THE ITCH. 



1. Take of white hellebore root, powdered, two ounces ; 
prepared lard, half a pound; oil of lemon, one drachm. 
Mix. This is considered a very good application for itch. 

2. Or, take of sulphuric acid, one drachm ; prepared lard, 
one ounce. Mix. Used in itch and eruptive affections. 

3. Or, take of sublimed sulphur, one pound ; lard, two 
pounds. Mix. This is one of the most effectual prepara- 
tions to destroy the itch. It is also serviceable in the cure of 
other cutaneous eruptions. 



OINTMENT FOR GOITRE. 



Take of iodide of potassium, one drachm ; iodine, half a 
drachm ; alcohol, one drachm ; lard, two ounces. Mix. It 
is applied by way of friction to goitre, scrofulous tumors, etc. 



TAR OINTMENT. 



Take of tar and suet, each, one pound. Melt together and 
strain the mixture through a linen cloth. This is applicable 
to cases of scald-head, and many eruptive complaints ; also, 
to some kinds of irritable sores. 



OINTMENT OF IODIDE OF LEAD. 



Take of iodide of lead, one ounce; lard, eight ounces. 
Rub together, and mix. This ointment is employed by way 
of friction to chronic enlargement of the joints, and indolent, 
scrofulous tumors. 

OINTMENT OF GALL-NUTS. 



Take of galls, powdered, two drachms ; lard, two ounces ; 
opium, powdered, half a drachm. Mix. This is an astringent 
anodyne ointment, applied chiefly to piles and indolent ulcers. 



356 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

CREOSOTE oixtme^:t. 



Take of creosote, half a drachm ; lard, melted, one ounce. 
Rub them together till they are mixed. This is a stimulating 
ointment. It is used in scald-head or ring-worm of the scalp. 



DETERGEXT OIXTMEXT. 



Take of ammonio-chloride of mercury, one drachm; lard, 
one and a half ounce. Mix. A mild, detergent application, 
used in skin diseases, and to destroy lice. 



CALOMEL OIXTMEXT. 



Take of calomel, one drachm ; lard, one ounce. Mix. It 
is very valuable in skin diseases, and to heal ulcers and 
sores. 



PITCH OIXTMEXT. 



Take of pitch, yellow wax, yellow resin, each, nine ounces ; 
olive oil, one pound. Melt together, and strain through a 
linen cloth. This is useful for the same purposes as the tar 
ointment. 

ELDER OIXTMEXT. 



Take of elder flowers, prepared lard, each, two pounds. 
Boil the elder flowers in the lard until they become crisp ; 
then strain the ointment through a linen cloth. A very cool- 
ing and emollient preparation. 



LDsIMEXT OrXTMEXT. 



Take of linseed oil and lime-water, equal parts; shake 
them well together, so as to form a liniment. 

This will be found an excellent application for recent scalds 
or burns. It may be spread upon a cloth and placed upon 
the part afiected. 



TIICTURES 



TiNCTUEE is the pure alcohol, or proof spirit containiDg 
medicinal substances in solution. 



TINCTURE OF GUAIACUM. 



Take of guaiacum resin, powdered, half a pound ; alcohol, 
one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 
This is diaphoretic, stimulant, and antarthritic. 

DoBe. — ^From one to two table spoonsful. 



TINCTURE OF JALAP. 



Take of jalap root, powdered, half a pound ; dilute alcohol, 
one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 
This is a good cathartic. 

Dose. — Two table spoonsful. 



TINCTURE OF HOPS. 



Take of hops, five ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart. In- 
fuse in the spirit for fourteen days, and strain. 
This is both tonic and sedative. 

Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful, or more. 



TINCTURE OF MYRRH. 



Take of myrrh, bruised, four ounces ; alcohol, one quart. 
Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 

This tincture is both applied ta ulcers, and used as a gargle. 
SO (357) 



358 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

TIXCTUEE OF EHUBARB. 



Take of rhubarb root, sliced, two and a half ounces ; lico- 
rice root, bruised, six drachms; proof spirit, one quart. In- 
fuse for fifteen days, with a gentle heat, and strain. 

This is a mild stomachic aperient. 

Dose — From half an ounce, to one and a half ounce. 



TINCTURE OF SQUILL. 



Take of squill root, dried, four ounces ; dilute alcohol, one 
quart. Macerate for fifteen days, and strain. 
The virtues of the squill resides in the tincture. 

JDose. — From ten drops to a dessert spoonful. 



APERIENT TINCTURE. 



Take of senna leaves, three and a half ounces ; caraway 
seeds, bruised, three and a half ounces; cardamom seeds, 
bruised, one drachm ; raisins, stoned, five ounces ; proof 
spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 

This preparation is purgative, carminative, and aperient. 

Dose, — ^From two spoonsful, to half a w.ine glassful. 



TINCTURE OF LOBEZIA. 



This is made by putting two ounces of the herb and seed 
together, in a pint of common gin. Let it stand eight days, 
when it w^ill be fit for use. 

Dose, — ^For children, from one to two tea spoonsful. For 
adults, from half to a whole wine glassful ; repeating the 
dose every fifteen or twenty minutes, till it produces emesis 
or vomiting. A little warm saleratus water will promote 
the operation of it, whenever desired. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 359 

CATHAKTIC TmCTURE. 



Tako of senna leaves, three ounces ; jalap, powdered, one 
ounce; coriander, and caraway seeds, bruised, each, half au 
ounce ; cardamom seeds, bruised, two drachms ; sugar, a quar- 
ter of a pound ; dilute alcohol, three pints. Infuse for fifteen 
days, and strain. 

Dose. — ^From two spoonsful to half a wine glassful. 



TINCTUEE OF YIRGIOTA SNAKE-ROOT. 



Take of the root, bruised, three ounces ; proof spirit, one 
quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 
This is both tonic and stimulant. 

Dose. — ^From one to two table spoonsful. 



TINCTURE OF VALERIAN. 



Take of valerian root, bruised, three ounces ; proof spirit, 
one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 
This is both tonic and stimulant. 

Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful. 



EMMENAGOGUE TINCTURE. 



Take of saffron, two ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart 
Infuse for fourteen days, and strain. 

Dose. — Two tea spoonsful. 



TINCTURE OF PEPPERMINT. 



Tincture or essence of peppermint may be made by dissolv- 
iDg two ounces of oil of peppermint in one pint of alcohol. 



360 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

STOMACHIC TmCTURE. 



Take of gentian root, bruised, two ounces ; orange peel, 
dried, one ounce ; cardamom seeds, bruised, half an ounce ; 
dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, express, 
and strain. This is stomachic as well as tonic. 

Dose. — Two tea spoonsful. 



PURGATIVE TINCTURE. 



Take of aloes, powdered, three ounces ; safii-on, one ounce; 
tincture of myrrh, two pints. Macerate for fifteen days, and 
strain. This is a useful application to old, indolent ulcers, and 
is likewise an emmenagogue. 

Dose. — ^From one half tea spoonful to two whole tea 
spoonsful. 

ANTISPASMODIC TINCTURE. 



Take of asafoetida, four ounces ; alcohol, one quart. In- 
fuse the whole for fourteen days, and strain. 

This preparation is stimulant as well as antispasmodic. 
Very useful in hysteria. 

Dose. — ^From one half tea spoonful to two whole tea spoons- 
ful. 

CRAMP TINCTURE. 



Take of essence of peppermint, and camphorated spirits, 
each, four ounces ; spirit of ammonia, half an ounce ; 
cayenne pepper, one tea spoonful ; ginger, two tea spoonsful. 

Dose. — In quantity according to the age and urgency of 
the complaint ; a table spoonful at first, and a tea spoonful 
every half hour afterward, till the pain is mitigated. Dilute 
with a little water. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 361 

EHEUMATIC TmCTURE. 



Take of gum guaiacum and nitre, each, one ounce ; balsam 
of Tolu and camphor, each, two drachms ; spirits, one quart. 
Mix well. 

Dose. — Half a tea spoonful in a little water three or four 
times a day. 

SWEET TINCTURE OF RHUBAEB. 



Take of licorice root, one ounce ; rhubarb, in coarse powder, 
two ounces ; anise seed, bruised, one ounce; fine white sugar, 
two ounces ; new rum, three pints. Macerate in a warm 
place for eight days, then strain. 

Dose. — ^For an adult, from half to a whole wine glassful. 



TINCTURE OF CANTHARIDES, 



Take of Spanish flies, reduced to fine powder, two ounces ; 
spirit of wine, one pint. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. 

This is intended as an acrid stimulant for external use. 
Parts afiected with palsy, or chronic rheumatism, may be 
frequently bathed or rubbed with it. 



STOMACHIC AND TONIC TINCTURE. 



Take of cinchona bark, in coarse powder, two ounces ; 
orange peel, bruised, one and a half ounce ; Virginia snake- 
root, bruised, three drachms ; saffron, cut, red sanders wood, 
rasped, each, one drachm ; dilute alcohol, twenty ounces. 
Infuse for fifteen days, express, and strain. 

This tonic is not only of service in debility of the stomach 
and intestines, but may likewise be taken as a preventive 
against intermittent fevers by persons who reside in places 
where the disease prevails. It will be of utility also to the 



362 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

convalescent patient in recovering from fever of any kind, a3 
it aids digestion, and assists to restore the tone and vigor of 
the system. 

Dose. — ^From one to three tea spoonsful an hour before 
each meal. 

TINCTUKE OF GINGEE. 



Take of ginger root, bruised, a half pound ; alcohol, one 
quart. Infuse for fifteen days and strain. 
This is a stimulating carminative. 

Dose. — From half to a whole tea spoonful. 



CATHAKTIC AIN^D STOMACHIC TINCTUKE. 



Take of rhubarb, bruised, ten drachms ; aloes, powdered, 
six drachms ; cardomom seeds, bruised, half an ounce; dilute 
alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, express, and 
strain. 

Dose. — From two tea spoonsful to one ounce. 



TOOTC TINCTURE. 



Take of rhubarb, bruised, two ounces ; gentian root, bruised, 
half an ounce ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen 
days, express and strain. 

This is likewise stomachic. 

Dose. — ^From one to four tea spoonsful. 



PILLS 



A pill is a small, round, nauseous mass, to be swallowed 
whole, whose disagreeable taste, or smell, renders it necessary 
that it should be exhibited in this form. IN'o medicine, how- 
ever, that is designed to operate quickly should be made into 
pills, as they often lie for a considerable time in the stomach 
before they are dissolved, so as to produce any perceptible 
action. 

ACTIVE PUEGATIYE PILLS. 



Take of gamboge, powdered, one drachm ; aloes, powdered, 
one and a half drachms ; ginger, powdered, half a drachm ; 
soap, two drachms. Mix. 

Dose. — From ten grains to one scruple. 



CALOMEL AND OPIUM PILLS. 



Take of calomel three parts ; opium, one part, confection 
of roses, a proper quantity. Mix, and divide into pills. 
Each contains about two-thirds of a grain of opium. 

These pills have proved of great service in rheumatism, 
and various inflammatory and painful disorders, and to pro- 
duce ptyalism. 

ANTISPASMODIC PILLS. 



Take of extract of hemlock, four drachms ; ipecacuanha, 
powdered, one drachm ; mucilage, sufficient to form into a 
mass. 

These pills are not only antispasmodic, but slightly narcotic 
and expectorant, and much used in spasmodic coughs, etc. 

Dose. — From two to three grains four times a day. 

(363) 



364 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

EXPECTOEAXT PILLS. 



Take of powdered ginger root, ammoniacum, and squill- 
root, each, two drachms ; soap, three drachms ; and a proper 
quantity of sirup. Mix, and divide into one hundred and ten 
pills. 

These are not only expectorant, but also diuretic, and 
chiefly employed in the cure of dropsy and asthma. 

Dose, — From five grains to a scruple. 



COMPOUIsTD CATHAETIC PILLS, 



Take of gamboge, in powder, two scruples ; extract of jalap, 
in powder, and calomel, each, three drachms; compound 
extract of colocynth, in powder, half an ounce. Mix thor- 
oughly with water, and divide into one hundred and seventy 
pills. 

Dose. — From two to four pills. 



CATHAETIC PILLS. 



Take of powdered aloes aud soap, each, one ounce. Beat 
with water into a proper mass, and divide into two hundred 
and thirty pills. 

Dose. — From two to five. 



PUEGATIYE PILLS, 



Take of aloes, two ounces ; safii'on, half an ounce ; myrrh, 
one ounce; sirup, a sufficient quantity. Beat into a uniform 
mass. 

These pills are stomachic, as well as laxative, and calculated 
for delicate females, especially where there are uterine ob- 
structions. 

Dose. — From ten grains to a scruple. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 365 

MILDLY PUKGATIYE PILLS. 



Take of aloes, powdered, one ounce ; extract of gentian, 
half an ounce ; oil of caraway, half a drachm ; simple sirup, 
sufficient to form a uniform mass. 

These pills are moderately purgative and stomachic. 

Dose. — From twenty to twenty-five grains. 



LAXATIVE PILLS. 



Take of aloes, powdered, seven drachms ; rhubarb, powder- 
ed, one ounce ; myrrh, powdered, half an ounce ; soap, one 
drachm ; oil of peppermint, half a drachm ; and a sufficient 
quantity of sirup. Mix together, then beat the whole into 
one mass, and divide into two hundred and thirty pills. 

These pills, it is said, with the assistance of proper diet, 
will effect a cure in jaundice. They are also considered use- 
ful stomachic laxatives, 

Dose. — From five to twenty grains. 



ASAFGETIDA PILLS. 



Take of asafoetida, aloes, and soap, each, half an ounce. 
Beat with water into a proper mass, and divide into one 
hundred and seventy pills. 

Used in costive dyspepsia. 

Dos^. — From two to four pills. 



ASAFCETIDA ANTISPASMODIC PILLS. 



Take of asafoetida, one and a half ounce; soap, half an 
ounce. Mix well with water, and divide into two hundred 
and thirty pills. 

Dose. — From two to four. 



MISCELLAIEOUS REMEDIES,. 



Method of preparing and compoiindiDg the following medi- 
cines, and naanner of applying the difierent preparations. 



CORDIAL. 



Take of the seeds of cardamom and caraway, powdered, 
each, two drachms ; cochineal, powdered, one drachm ; cin- 
namon bark, bruised, five drachms ; rasins, stoned, five 
drachms ; proof spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days 
and strain. 

Dose. — From a desert spoonful, to two table spoonsful. 



EESOLYENT. 



Take of camphor, one ounce ; olive oil, four ounces. Dis- 
solve. This is a useful anodyne resolvent liniment. 



LENITIVE CONFECTIO]^. 



Take of the pulp of tamarinds, and French prunes, each, 
one pound ; senna, in fine powder, half a pound ; coriander 
seeds, also, in powder, quarter of a pound. Mix the whole 
together, with a sufficient quantity of simple sirup to form it 
into confection. 

This proves an agreeable laxative, and it likewise serves as 
a convenient vehicle for exhibiting other more active medi- 
cine, as jalap, scammony, etc. 

Dose. — Three tea spoonsful during the day. 

(367) 



368 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

TONICS. 



1. Take of chamomile flowers, one ounce; boiling water, 
one pint. Infuse for fifteen minutes in a lightly covered 
vessel, and strain. 

Dose, — ^Half a wine glassful two or three time a day. 

2. Or, take of boneset or thoroughwort, bruised, one ounce; 
boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. 

Dose. — A wine glassful two or three, times a day. 

3. Or, take of wild cherry-bark, bruised, half an ounce ; 
cold water, one pint. Infuse for fourteen hours, and strain. 

This beverage is not only tonic, but slightly sedative. 

Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day, an hour before 
eating, and at bed-time. 

4. Or, take of columba root, sliced, half an ounce ; boiling 
water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. 

Dose. — From half a wine glassful to one and a half, 

5. Or, a strained evaporated decoction of wormwood. 
Dose. — From ten grains to one scruple. 

6. Or, take of dogwood bark, bruised, one ounce ; water, 
one pint. Boil for ten minutes, and strain while hot. 



CATHARTICS. 



1. Take of rhubarb root, sliced, two drachms ; boiling water, 
one pint. Infuse for three hours, and strain. 

Dose. — From one-half to a whole wine srlassful. 

2. Or, take of the leaves of senna, one ounce ; coriander 
seeds, one drachm; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two 
hours, and strain. 

Dose. — ^From one to two ounces 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 369 

KEFKIGEKAISTT. 



Take of tamarinds, one ounce ; senna, and coriander seeds, 
bruised, each, one drachm ; sugar, half an ounce ; boiling 
water, half a pint. Infuse for five hours, and strain. 

This preparation is refrigerant, as well as aperient. 

Do8e, — From one to two ounces. 



CATHARTIC CLYSTER. 



The common or domestic clyster, is composed of gruel, or 
molasses water, from one-half to a whole pint ; a c^poonful of 
salt, and a little oil. 

STIMULANT AKD DIURETIC. 

Take fresh hoi-se-radish root, sliced ; mustard seeds, bruised, 
each, one ounce; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for ten 
minutes, and strain. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful. 



NARCOTIC. 



A narcotic bitter may be made by taking half an ounce of 
hops; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and 
strain. This is both narcotic and tonic. 

The tincture of hops is both agreeable and efficacious. 



Dose. — A wine glassful. 



PECTORAL. 



Take of linseed, bruised, half an ounce ; licorice root, 
sliced, two drachms ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for five 
hours, and strain. 

Dose, — A wine glass^ful three times a day. 



370 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

STOMACHIC BITTEPwS. 



Take of orange-peel, dried, half an ounce ; lemon-peel, 
fresh, two drachms; cloves, bruised, one drachm; boiling 
water, one pint. Infuse for twenty minutes, and strain. 



Dose. — A wine glassful. 



CONFECTION IN PALSY. 



Take of confection of roses, mustard seed, powdered, each, 
one ounce; sirup of ginger, a sufficient quantity to make into 
a soft consistence. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful four times a day. 



AROMATIC FOMENTATION. 



Take of Jamaica pepper, one ounce ; wine, one pint. Boil 
them a very little ; then strain off the liquor. 

This is designed, not only as a topical application for ex- 
ternal complaints, but likewise for relieving the internal parts. 
Pains of the bowels, which accompany diarrhea and d^^sen- 
tery, flatulent colic, unpleasant sensations at the stomach, 
and vomiting, are frequently relieved, by fomenting the 
abdomen and region of the stomach with this warm prepar- 
ation. 

DIAPHORETIC CONFECTION. 



Take of sulphur and cream of tartar, each, one scruple ; 
gum guaiacum, in powder, ten grains ; sirup, a proper quan- 
tity. 

Given in eruptive or cutaneous diseases, and rheumatic 
disorders ; likewise in inflammatory quinsy. 

Dose, — The above may be given daily. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 371 

COMMON FOMENTATIOK 



Take of chamomile flowers, and the tops of wormwood, 
dried, each, two ounces and a half. Boil out the strength. 
Brandy, or spirit of wine may be added, if the circumstances 
of the case recLuire, but they are not always considered neces- 
sary. 

yULKERAEY BALSAM. 



Take of hepatic or Barbadoes aloes, in powder, half an 
ounce; benzoin, powdered, three ounces; balsam of Peru, 
two ounces ; spirit of wine, one quart. Infuse with a gentle 
heat six days, and strain. 

This is externally applied to heal recent wounds and bruises. 
It is likewise internally employed to remove cough, asthma, 
and other pulmonary complaints. It is said to strengthen the 
kidneys, relieve colic, and heal internal ulcers, etc. 

Dose. — From twenty to fifty drops. 



ASTPJXGEXT COXFECTIOX. 



Take of alum, powdered, sixteen grains ; gum kino, live 
grains ; sirup, a sufficient quantity to mix. 

Thisis given in profuse menstruation, and violent hemorr- 
hages proceeding from relaxation. 

Dose, — A little every five hours till the disease is arrested. 



MEECUEIAL PEEPAEATIO^^ 



Take of confection of roses, half a drachm ; calomel, six 
grains. Mix. 

"Where mercury is required, this may be taken over night, 
two or three times a week ; should it not operate, the next day 
it wiU be necessary to give a few grains of jalap to carry it off. 



372 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

SmUP OF SAKSAPAEILLA. 



Take of the sliced root of sarsaparilla, one pound ; boiling 
water, one gallon; sugar, one pound. Infuse the roots in the 
water, for twenty-four hours ; then boil down to two quarts, 
and strain the liquor while hot ; after which add the sugar, 
and evaporate to a proper consistence. 

It is used chieflj as an adjunct to the decoction. 



STIMULANT LmiMENT. 



Take of camphor, two and a half ounces; solution of 
ammonia, seven ounces ; spirit of lavender, one pint. Mix 
the ammonia and spirit in a glass retort, and distill a pint. 
Dissolve the camphor in the product. 

This furnishes an anodyne stimulant, in paralytic, spas- 
modic, and rheumatic diseases ; and for bruises, sprains, etc. 



LOTIO]Sr. 



Take of Peruvian bark, bruised, one ounce ; water, one 
pint. Boil for ten or fifteen minutes in a vessel slightly 
covered ; strain the decoction while hot. Any other prepar- 
ation may be mixed with it, if necessity requires. 

It is considered a very excellent astringent lotion for pro- 
lapsus of the uterus or rectum. 

Dose, — ^From a tea spoonful to two ounces. 



PULMONIC SIRUP. 



Take six ounces of comfrey root, and twelve handsful of 
plantain leaves ; cut and beat them well ; strain out the juice, 
and, with an equal weight of sugar, boil to a sirup. 

This is said to be an infallible cure for coughing of blood. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 373 

APEEIENT. 



Take of bruised dandelion roots, two ounces ; water, one 
quart. Boil to a pint, and strain. 
This is both aperient and laxative. 



SALYE. 



The following makes an excellent salve for burns. Take 
of chamomile, parsley, the green of elder-bark, and wild laven- 
der ; stew them in fresh butter. Strain, and add resin, bees- 
wax, and white diachylon, equal parts. 



HOT DEOPS. 



This preparation is made after the following manner. Take 
of gum myrrh, pulverized, four ounces ; cayenne pepper, one 
ounce ; fourth proof brandy, or alcohol, one gallon. 

These drops will afford relief, when taken in cramp, colic, 
cholera morbus, etc. 

An external application may be made of the same in the 
above cases, and likewise in pleurisy. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful. 



ANTHELMHSTTIC WINE. 



Take of rhubarb, half an ounce ; worm-seed, one ounce. 
Bruise them, and infuse without heat in a bottle containing 
one quart of Port wine, for five days ; then strain. 

As the stomachs of persons troubled with worms are 
always debilitated. Port wine alone, will often prove of 
utility. It must, however, produce still better effects, when 
combined with bitter and purgative ingredients, as in the 
above form. 

Dose, — A wine glassful two or three times a day. 
31 



374 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

COMPOSITIOX POWDER. 



Take of bayberry bark, one pound ; ginger, half a pound ; 
cloves and cayenne pepper, each, two ounces. Mix them well 
together. 

This powder is used in heart-burn, liver complaint, cramp, 
colic, and cholera morbus. 

Dose. — A tea spoonful mixed with a little warm, sweetened 
water. 



MUSTAED WHEY. 



Take of milk and water, each, one pint ; bruised mustard 
seed, an ounce and a half. Boil them together till the curd 
is perfectly separated, and strain. 

This is the most agreeable, and by no means the least effi- 
cacious method of exhibiting mustard. It warms and in- 
vigorates the stomach, and promotes the different secretions. 
Hence, in the low state of nervous fevers, it will often supply 
the place of wine. It is likewise of utility in chronic rheuma- 
tism, paralysis, dropsical complaints, etc. The addition of a 
little sugar will render it more grateful to the taste. 

Dose. — An ordinary-sized tea cupful four times a day. 

A number of other wheys may be prepared nearly after the 
same manner, as orange whey, cream of tartar whey, etc. 

These are cooling, pleasant drinks in fevers, and may be 
rendered cordial, when necessary, by the addition of wine. 



CEPHALIC SXUFE. 



Take of rosemary, sage, lilies of the valley, and tops of 
sweet marjoram, each, one ounce, with a drachm of lavender- 
flowers, nutmeg, and asarabacca root ; these should be pow- 
dered very fine and mixed. 

This snuff will relieve the head wonderfully. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 375 

BITTER WIKE. 



Take of gentian-root, one ounce ; yellow part of the rind 
of lemon-peel, fresh, one ounce; black pepper, two drachms. 
Wine, one quart. Infuse in a bottle for eight days, and strain. 



OIL OF LAYEKDER. 



Though chiefly used as a perfume, this essential oil may be 
administered internally, as a stimulant, in nervous headache, 
hysteria, and debility of the stomach. 

This oil possesses both stimulant and tonic properties. 

Dose, — Erom one to five drops. 



OIL OF BAYBEERY. 



The oil of bayberries is sometimes rubbed on sprains and 
bruises, unattended with inflammation. 



ANTHELMINTIC. 



Take of scammony, calomel, and sugar, each, half a drachm. 
This is both a cathartic and vermifuge. 
Dose, — From eight to sixteen grains. 



EXPECTORANT. 



1. Take of vinegar of squill, one pint; sugar, two pounds. 
Make a sirup. 

Dose. — From one to two dessert spoonsful. 

2. Or, take of seneka-root, bruised, four ounces; water, 
one pint ; sugar, one pound. Make a decoction, boil to one- 
half, strain, and make a sirup. 

This is also used in pleurisy, dropsy, rheumatism, and 
cutaneous afiections. 

Dose, — From one to two dessert spoonsful. 



376 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

PURGATIVE. 



Take of senna leaves, two ounces ; fennel seeds, bruised, 
one ounce; refined sugar, one pound ; boiling water, one 
pint. Infuse the senna leaves and fennel seeds in the water 
for an hour, with a gentle heat ; strain the liquor, and make 
a sirup. 

Dose. — For a child, a dessert spoonful ; for an adult, half a 
wine glassful or more. 



VERMIFUGE. 



Take of pink-root, half an ounce ; boiling water, one pint. 
Infuse for three hours, and strain. ; 

Dose. — For a child three or four years old, one grain : it is 
usually mixed with a cathartic. 



CARMINATIVE. 



1. Take of ginger, bruised, two drachms; boiling water, 
half a pint. Infuse for three hours, and strain. 

Dose, — Half a wine glassful. 

2. A sirup of rue is made by adding ten drops of oil of 
rue to a pint of ordinary sirup. It is used by some nurses 
for children. 



lEFLAMMATIOK OF THE EYES. 



Take of alum, half a drachm ; beat it well, to a froth, with 
the white of an Qgg. This may be spread upon a linen cloth 
and applied to the eyes, but should not be permi-tted to remain 
longer than three hours at one time. 

It is considered useful in inflammation of the eyes, to allay 
heat, and restrain the flow of humors. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 377 

ALUM WHEY. 



Boil two drachms of powdered alum iu a pint of milk till 
it is curdled ; then strain off the whey. 

This is an excellent astringent. It is found very useful in 
immoderate menses and diabetes, or excessive discharge of 
urine. 

Dose. — A wine glassful, or more, according as the stomach 
will bear, three times a day. If it should occasion vomiting, 
it may be diluted. 

COLLYRIUM OF LEAD. 



1. Take of crude sal ammoniac and sugar of lead, each, 
three grains ; cold water, eight ounces. It would sometimes 
be advisable to add thirty drops of laudanum. 

2. Or, twenty drops of extract of lead to eight ounces of 
water, and a tea spoonful of brandy. 

3. Or, take one ounce of brandy to five ounces of water ; 
if the eyes are weak bathe them with it night and morning. 



COISTFECTIOI^ OF EOSES. 



Take a pound of rose petals, fresh gathered ; beat them 
well in a mortar ; add by degrees two pounds of white sugar, 
in powder ; then put the preparation over a slow fire, to bake 
until slightly candied. 

This is one of the most grateful, and beneficial compounds 
belonging to this class. 

It is a tonic, and mild astringent ; administered in weakness 
of the stomach, and likewise in asthmatic coughs, spitting of 
blood, and ulceration of the lungs. 

Dose. — One or two tea spoonsful dissolved in warm milk. 

To produce any very considerable efiect, however, it must 
be taken often through the day. 



378 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

DYSPEPTIC BITTERS. 



Take of poplar bark, peach meats, goldeu-seal, each, four 
ounces ; bitter root, two ounces ; boiling water, three quarts. 
Make a decoction. When cold, add two quarts of Holland 
gin. 

This is excellent in dyspepsia, weakness of the stomach, etc. 

Dose. — A wine glassful an hour before each meal. 



ALTERATIVE. 



1. Take of guaiacum raspings, three ounces ; raisins, stoned, 
two ounces; sassafras root and licorice, each, one ounce; 
water, ten pints. Boil the guaiacum and raisins with the 
water over a gentle fire, to one half; adding toward the end, 
the sassafras and licorice. 

This is slightly diaphoretic, and calculated to purify the 
blood. 

Dose. — One or two pints, daily. 

The French are said to use a similar preparation, made 
purgative by senna and rhubarb. 

2. Or, take of sarsaparilla-root, sliced and bruised, six 
ounces; boiling water, six pints. Boil them to one quart, 
and strain. 

This beverage is supposed to be very excellent to purify 
the blood. 

Dose. — From one pint to one and a half pints, daily. 

3. Or, take of the bruised leaves of pipsissewa or winter- 
green, one ounce ; water, one and a half pints. Boil to a 
pint, and strain. 

It is excellent in scrofula, and well calculated to remove all 
vitiated humors from the blood. 

Dose. — A pint daily. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 379 

COLLYEIUM. . 



Take of rose-water, seven ounces ; white vitriol, half a 
drachm. Dissolve the vitriol in the water and filter the 
liquor. 

This, though simple, is a very efficacious wash or lotion, in 
watery, weak, and inflamed eyes. 



FOMEKTATIOX. 



Take of white poppy capsules, bruised, four ounces ; water, 
two quarts. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain. 

This preparation possesses slightly anodyne properties, and 
is employed as a fomentation in acute ophthalmia, painful 
swellings, etc. 

ASTEINGENT. 



1. Take of oak bark, one ounce; water, one and a half 
pints. Boil down to a pint, and strain. 

This astringent decoction is principally employed for exter- 
nal purposes. 

2. For internal use, take of dried red rose petals, two 
ounces ; boiling water, one pint ; pure sugar, one and a quar- 
ter pounds. Make an infusion; strain; and, adding the 
sugar, boil to a sirup. 



DIAERHEA COEDIAL. 



Take of rhubarb, one ounce ; saleratus, one tea spoonful ; 
pour on them a pint of boiling water. When cold, add two 
tea spoonsful of essence of peppermint. 

This is used both in dysentery and diarrhea. 

Dose, — A tea spoonful every fifteen minutes, till the symp- 
toms subside. 



380 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

STOMACH PLASTER. 



Take of resin, Burgundy pitch, and beeswax, each, one 
ounce ; melt them together in a clean earthen dish, and 
then stir in one ounce of turpentine, and half an ounce of 
mace. Spread it on a piece of sheep-skin, grate some nut- 
meg over the whole plaster, and apply it quite warm to the 
region of the stomach, for a cough. 



LIME-WATER. 



Pour one gallon of water, gradually, upon half a pound of 
good, unslacked lime. When the ebullition ceases, stir them 
well together ; then permit the preparation to remain till the 
lime has settled ; after which, filter the liquor through paper, 
and bottle for use. 

Lime-water is principally used in gravel complaints, and 
impurities of the blood. For these purposes, a pint may be 
drank daily. 

Externally, it is employed as a wash in foul ulcers, in re- 
moving the itch, and other cutaneous eruptions. 



COMPOUl!TD LIME-WATER. 



Take of simple lime-water, three quarts ; coriander seeds, 
three drachms ; sassafras bark, half an ounce ; licorice root, 
one ounce ; shavings of guaiacum wood, half a pound. In- 
fuse without heat for four days, and strain. 

In the same manner may lime-water be impregnated with 
the virtues of other vegetable substances. Such impregnation 
not only renders the water more grateful to the taste, but also 
a more efficacious medicine, particularly in cutaneous diseases 
or impurities of the blood. 

JDose. — A gill may be taken four times a day. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 381 

DEMULCENT DEINKS. 



Take of dried marsh-mallow roots, four ounces ; raisins 
stoned, two ounces ; water, seven pints. Boil to five pints, 
and strain. 

LESTIMEjSTT. 



One of the most valuable kinds is made by mixing six 
ounces of spirit of wine ; two ounces of camphor ; and then 
adding two ounces of spirit of sal ammoniac, and two drachms 
of oil of lavender. 



VIIffiGAR OF SQUILL. 



Take of dried squill, two ounces ; distilled vinegar, one 
quart. Infuse for fifteen days in a moderate degree of heat ; 
then strain ofi* the liquor, and add to it about one tenth part 
of its quantity of proof spirit. 

This medicine produces excellent efiects in diseases of the 
chest, occasioned by a large quantity of viscid mucus, or 
phlegm. It is also of utility in hydropic cases, by promoting 
a discharge of urine. 

Dose. — ^From two tea spoonsful to a table spoonful, varied 
according to the intention for which it is given. When de- 
signed to produce emesis or vomiting, the dose should be 
large. In other cases, it must not only be exhibited in small 
doses, but likewise mixed with cinnamon water, or some other 
grateful aromatic liquor, to prevent the nausea it might other- 
wise occasion. 



YINEGAE ENEMA. 



Take of water gruel, five ounces ; vinegar, three ounces. 

This answers all purposes of the ordinary clyster, with the 
peculiar advantage of being very profitable either in inflam- 
matory or putrid disorders, particularly in the latter. 



382 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

EMOLLIEXT GAEGLE. 



1. Take an ounce and a half of marsh -mallow roots ; three 
figs ; boil them in a quart of vrater, till one half of it is con- 
sumed, and sti-ain. 

2. If an ounce of honev and half an ounce of spirit of sal 
ammoniac be added to the above, it will then be a veiy ex- 
cellent attenuating gargle. 

This is highly beneficial in fevers where the tongue and 
fauces are rough and parched, to soften those parts, and pro- 
mote the discharge of saliva. 



DETEPvGEXT GAEGLE. 



Take of the emollient gargle, one pint ; tincture of myrrh, 
one ounce; honey, three ounces. Mix. 

When exulcerations require to be cleansed, or the excreation 
of tough, viscid saliva promoted, this gargle will prove of 
utility. 

GAEGLE. 



Take of rose-water, seven ounces ; sirup of carnation pink, 
half an ounce ; spirit of vitriol, a sufficient quantity to render 
it agreeably acid. Mix. 

This gargle, in addition to cleansing the tongue and fauces, 
acts as a mild repellent, and will sometimes remove a slight 
quinsy. 

EXPECTOEAXT MIXTUEE. 

Take of sirup of squill, two ounces; emulsion of gum 
ammoniac, seven ounces. Mix. 

This is highly useful in asthma, cough, and obstructions 
of the chest. 

Dose. — A table spoonful every three hours. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 383 

INFUSION OF EOSES. 



Take of red roses, dried, one ounce ; boiling water, one 
quart; oil of vitriol, half a drachm; loaf sugar, an ounce 
and a half. Infuse the roses in the water for five hours in an 
unglazed earthen vessel, and strain ; then pour in the acid, 
and add to it the sugar. 

Given in profuse menses, vomiting of blood, and other 
hemorrhages. It likewise furnishes an excellent gargle. 

Dose. — A gill every three hours. 



ANODYNE BALSAM. 



Take of opium, unprepared, two drachms ; white Spanish 
soap, one ounce ; spirit of wine, eight ounces. Infuse them 
in a gentle heat for five days, then strain off the liquor and 
add two drachms of camphor. 

This preparation is designed to alleviate pain. It is pe- 
culiarly serviceable in violent strains, and rheumatic com- 
plaints, when not attended with inflammation. It must be 
rubbed with a warm hand on the part affected, and renewed 
every three hours till the pain subsides. 



ATTENUATING GARGLE. 



Take of honey, one ounce ; nitre, one drachm ; water, five 
ounces. Mix. 

This refreshing gargle may be used either in fevers, or in 
inflammatory sore throat, for cleansing the tongue and fauces. 



PEOTOEAL DEINKS. 



Take of decoction of barley, two pints ; figs, sliced, two 
ounces ; licorice root, sliced and bruised, half an ounce ; 
raisins, stoned, two ounces; water, one pint. 

Boil down to two pints, and strain. 



384 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS 

VOLATILE LiyDIEXT. 



Take of linseed oil. one ounce ; spirit of hartshorn, half an 
ounce. Shake them well together. 

A piece of flannel moistened with this, and applied to the 
throat, is pecnliarlv serviceable in quins v, and it will often 
arrest the complaint if applied in the beginning. It is like- 
wise of utility for soreness and inflammation in the flesh in 
other parts where the skin is not broken. For this last pur- 
pose it may be rubbed on. 



CARMIXATIYE POWDER. 



Take of coriander seeds, half and ounce; ginger, one 
drachm ; nutmegs, half a drachm ; fine sugar, two drachms. 
Keduce them to powder. Mix, and divide into twelve doses. 

This powder is employed in flatulencies arising from indi- 
gestion. It may likewise be administered in small quantities 
to children in their food, when troubled with griping pains. 



STAECH EVEAIA. 



Take of linseed oil, half an ounce ; jelly of starch, four 
ounces. Make the starch into a liquid over a gentle fii*e ; 
then mix with it the oil. "VThen cool enough, forty drops of 
laudanum may be added : in which case it will usually supply 
the place of an asti'ingent injection. 

In dysenteiy or bloody flux, tkis may be administered 
after every stool, to heal the ulcerated intestines, and to re- 
press the acrimony of the humors. 



LAXATIVE EXEMA. 



Take of sulphate of magnesia, two ounces ; dissolve in two 
thirds of a pint of warm gruel or broth, with an ounce of 
fresh butter or sweet oil. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 385 

DECOCTIOX OF LOGWOOD. 



Take of the chips or shavings of logwood, four ounces ; 
water, two quarts. Boil till half is consumed, and strain ; 
then add three ounces of simple cinnamon water. 

This is profitably given in bowel complaints, where more 
powerful astringents would prove too harsh. 

Dose. — A gill three times a day. 



DECOCTIOX OF CHALK. 



Take of the purest chalk, in powder, three ounces ; gum 
arable, one ounce; water, two quarts. Boil to one quart, 
and strain. It may be sweetened with sugar as it is used, 
with the addition of two ounces of cinnamon water. 

This is a very suitable beverage in acute diseases, attended 
with looseness of the bowels, and where there is acidity of 
the stomach, especially in children, likewise for persons 
troubled with heart-burn. 



EMETIC. 

Take of ipecacuanha, one scruple ; water, half an ounce ; 
sirup, one drachm. Mix. 

Persons who require a more powerful emetic, may add to 
the above a grain of tartar emetic. Those who object to the 
powder, may take half an ounce of the wine of ipecacuanha, 
in an equal quantity of the sirup of squill. 



CLYSTER. 



Take of mallows, dried, one ounce ; chamomile flowers, 
dried, half an ounce ; water, one pint. Boil for a quarter of 
an hour, and strain. 

This is useful in clvsters and fomentations. 



386 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

POULTICE FOR ABSCESS. 



1. Roast a cracker very brown ; soak it in warm milk and 
a little water ; after having laid it on a cloth, spread over it a 
little sweet oil, or fresh butter, to prevent it from sticking, 
and apply for ten or twelve hours. 

2. Then make another by stirring pulverized slippery elm 
into warm water ; grease and apply ; change when dry. 

When the abscess is broken, put on two or three poultices 
of slippery elm ; after this, use nothing but cracker poultices. 



POULTICE FOR BOIL. 



A poultice for a boil may be made by putting the meal 
of flax-seed, or linseed, into boiling water; w^hen cool enough, 
put it on a cloth ; spread over it a little fresh lard, or sweet 
oil, and apply. 

This will cause the boil to speedily maturate and break. 

Dr. Thompson recommends the application of turpentine 
to a boil in its first, or incipient stage, and states that it will 
soon disperse it. 

DIURETIC. 



1. Take of the fresh roots of colchicum or meadow safiron, 
sliced, one ounce; vinegar, one pound; refined sugar, one 
and a half pounds. Macerate with the vinegar two days, 
shaking occasionally; strain, with gentle expression; add the 
sugar to the liquid, and make a sirup. 

Dose. — ^From one large tea spoonful, to two table spoonsful. 

2. Or, take of broom tops, juniper berries, and dandelion 
roots, each, half an ounce ; water, one and a half pints. 
Boil to a pint and strain. 

This is considered to be laxative as well as diuretic. 

Dose. — From one half to a whole wine glassful. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 387 

FAMILY RESTOEATIYE. 



Take of rhubarb and ginger, each, one ounce ; gum aloes, 
half an ounce ; myrrh, one drachm ; cayenne pepper, one tea 
spoonful; spirits, one quart. Infuse for twenty-four hours, 
then add a tea cupful of sugar, and half pint of water. 

Dose. — From one to three table spoonsful, half an hour 
before eating. 

This is an excellent medicine for dyspepsia, and all derange- 
ments of the stomach, both in adults and children. 



HEALIXG SALYE. 



Take of olive oil, beeswax, and resin, equal parts ; melt 
and mix, stirring till cool. 

This is an excellent healing salve for all ordinary sores ; 
but if a more healing remedy is required, add to this, when 
nearly boiling hot, two pounds of red lead ; when nearly cold, 
half an ounce of pulverized camphor. This should be spread 
thin, and renewed twice a day. 



SUDORIFIC. 



Take of decoction of sarsaparilla, boiling, four pints ; sassa- 
fras root, sliced, guaiacum wood shavings, and licorice root, 
braised, each, one ounce ; mezereon-root bark, three drachms. 
Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain. 
This is a gentle sudorific and alterative 
Dose. — ^From one pint, to a pint and a half, daily. 



LAXATIVE. 



Take of rhubarb, bruised, two ounces ; boiling water, one 
pint; sugar, two pounds. Macerate the rhubarb in the water 
twenty-four hours ; strain, and make a sirup. 

Dose. — For a child one year old, from one to two tea 
spoonsful. 



388 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

DEMULCENT. 



1. Make a decoction by putting two ounces of quince seeds 
into a pint of boiling water. Boil over a gentle fire for ten 
minutes, then strain. 

2. Or, take of valerian, half an ounce ; boiling water, one 
pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. 

Dose. — Half a wine glassful. 

3. Or, take of fresh slipper j-elm bark, bruised, four ounces ; 
water, two quarts. Boil to one quart, and strain. 

This is very profitably used as a coUyrium dn chronic oph- 
thalmia. 



EOOTS AND HERBS. 

TIME OF GATHERINa, AND MODE OF PRESERYIXG PLANTS, 
BARKS, AXD ROOTS. 



Plants that are designed for decoctions or teas, should be 
gathered while in fiower, or shortly after, on a clear, dry day, 
after the morning dew is off, and either spread very thin in 
the shade, or exposed to the sun to dry. 

It is preferable, however, that they should be dried in the 
shade, as by it they retain their natural hue. 

If they are not cut till they have gone to seed, the strength 
goes into the seeds. Herbs that are designed to be distilled, 
should be cut when the seeds are ripe or matured, at which 
time they yield the most oil. 

In gathering leaves for medicinal use, 

Select only those which are green, and full of juice ; 

Pick them carefully, and cast away such, 

As are wholly imperfect, or not very much. 

Observe particularly grounds in which plants most delight 
to grow, and collect them in such places. Where we find 
plants flourishing best near the water, in those places let them 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 389 

be gathered, even though we may sometimes find them grow- 
ing oh dry ground. After having dried them well, put them 
in a brown paper bag, sewing it up like a sack ; press them 
not too hard together, and keep them in a dry place. As 
regards the duration of dried herbs, the exact time can not 
be given. 

Those which are found growing in dry grounds, will keep 
better and longer, than others in moist or wet. 

Plants which are naturally succulent or juicy, will not keep 
60 long as others of a drier nature. 

Such as are well dried will keep much longer than those 
which are ill dried. When dried herbs have lost their color or 
smell, they should never be used by the patient, as they tend 
rather to do injury than good. 

Barks from the bodies of trees should be peeled in the latter 
period of their running, which is usually in July, as they are 
then much thicker and stronger than when they first begin to 
flow. These may be dried either in the shade or in the sun. 
The rough, outward bark or ross, should be taken ofi" when 
peeled. 

Barks of roots should be collected early in the spring or 
late in the fall, while the sap is in the root. 

Eoots should be collected in the spring, before the tops begin 
to shoot forth, or in autumn after they have decayed. Those 
that are large and fleshy should be cut into slices, or strips, 
and strung; after which they may be exposed to a moderate 
heat, in order to dry gradually. After the bark, roots, and 
herbs, are thoroughly dried, they should be kept close from 
the air ; also when pulverized, and especially those that possess 
an aromatic property. 



DOSES OF MEDICmE. 



The general portion of medicine to be exhibited as a dose, 
throughout the whole work, is designed for an adult, unless 
32 



390 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 

otherwise specified. There are, however, Dnmerous circum- 
Etances which modify the dose, as sex, constitution, tempera- 
ment, the effect desired, etc. On all these points, except the 
age, the dose must be graduated according to judgment. 

The doses for children may be administered according to 
experience, and the following proportions may also be ob- 
served : 

For the patient twenty- one years of age, a full dose may be 
given ; 

Sixteen years of age, two-thirds ; 

Eleven years of age, half; 

Six years of age, one-third ; 

Three years of age, one-fourth ; 

One year old, one-twelfth. 



TABLES OF WEIGHTS AXD MEASURES. 

APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT. 



20 grains, gr., make 1 scruple, scru. 

3 scruples, '' 1 drachm, dr. 

8 drachms, " 1 ounce, oz. 

AYORDUPOIS WEIGHT. 

16 drachms, dr., make 1 ounce, oz. 

16 ounces, '' ■ 1 pound, S), 

WIXE MEASURE. 

4 gills, gls., make 1 pint, pt. 

2 pints '* 1 quart, qt. 

4: quarts " 1 gallon, gal. 

DRY MEASURE. 

A tea spoon contains 60 grains. 
A tea spoon contains 1 drachm. 
A table spoon contains i drachms, or half an ounce. 



MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 391 

WEIGHTS OF FLUIDS. 

A tea spoon contains about 60 drops, or a fluid draclim. 

A table spoon contains 5 fluid drachms. 

A wine glass contains 2 ounces. 

A tea cup contains a gill, or 4 ounces. 

A pint contains 16 ounces, or a pound. 

Those who wish, can purchase at the druggists a marked 
glass, designed expressly for measuring fluids, called a gradu- 
ated glass, as spoons and other domestic utensils do not all 
measure the same quantity. 



APPEIDIX. 



fer the following pages will be found, arranged under sepa- 
rate headings, quite a number of articles accidentally omitted 
from the first part of the work, and some diseases also, pro- 
perly belonging to the second. The attention, moreover, will 
be directed to the medical uses of each plant or drug, which 
is often most efficacious in the simplest form it can be admin- 
istered. Multiplying the ingredients of a medicine, not only 
renders it more expensive, but also less certain, both in its 
dose and operation. Nor is this all. The compound when 
kept is apt to spoil, or acquire qualities of a different nature. 
"When a medicine is rendered more safe, efficacious, or agree- 
able by the addition of another, or others, they ought, no 
doubt, to be combined ; in all other cases, they are better to 
be kept disunited. The combination of medicines often em- 
barasses the private individual, when in the act of preparing 
for his own use. It is impossible to ascertain the precise 
effect of any one medicine, as long as it is combined with 
others possessing either similar or dissimilar properties. 
Multiplying forms [of medicine for the same intention, tends 
also, rather to bewilder, than assist the young practitioner, 
and the experienced physician can never be at a loss to vary 
prescriptions as occasion requires. The chemical and other 
difficult preparations are for the most part omitted. The 
preparations made and sold by distillers and confectioners 
are also generally left out. All of them that are used by any 

(393; 



394 APPENDIX. 

private practitioner are not worth preparing. He will buy 
them at a much cheaper rate than he can make them. Great 
care, however, is necessary to obtain genuine. They are often 
adulterated, and ought never to be purchased unless from per- 
sons of known veracity. The different medicines, their proper 
doses, and manner of applications, are mentioned in the dif- 
ferent practical parts of the work, wherever they are prescribed. 
The quantity ordered of every medicine is as small as well 
could be prepared, both to prevent unnecessary expense, and 
that the medicine might not spoil by keeping. Nearly all 
medicines suffer by being kept, and should be used as soon 
after they have been prepared as possible. Even simple 
drugs are apt to spoil, and therefore should be laid aside in 
small quantities; they either rot, are consumed by insects, 
or evaporate so as to lose their peculiar taste or flavor, and 
hence are rendered quite useless. 

The coloring ingredients are for the most part omitted. 
They increase the price and bulk of the medicine, without 
adding any thing to its value. It would be profitable if they 
were never used at all. Medicines are often adulterated for the 
sake of color. Acrid and even poisonous substances are, for 
this purpose, sometimes introduced into those medicines which 
require to be most bland and emollient. Yerdigris, for in- 
stance, is often mixed with ointment of elder, to impart to it 
a fine green color, which entirely frustrates the intention of 
that mild ointment. Persons who w^ish to obtain genuine 
medicines should not select those having a preternatural color. 
Some regard has likewise been paid to expense. Such sub- 
stances as greatly increase the price of any composition, with- 
out adding considerably to its virtue, have been generally 
either omitted, and others that are less expensive substituted 
in their place. 

Medicines are by no means effectual in proportion to their 
price. The cheapest or most common kind are often the best ; 
besides, they are the least apt to be adulterated, and are 
always most readily to be obtained. 



APPENDIX. 395 

The dose of every medicine has been mentioned whenever it 
appeared necessary. "Where this is omitted, it is to be under- 
stood that the medicine may be used at discretion. It is not 
an easy task to proportion the doses of medicine exactly to the 
different constitutions, ages, etc., of the patients. Attempts 
have been made by very many individuals to ascertain the 
proportional doses for the different ages and constitutions of 
patients ; but, after all that has been said on the subject, we 
can only add, that a great deal must be left to the judgment 
and skill of the person who administers the medicine. 

In regard to the recipes or prescriptions which we find in 
the work, laid down, where it is not convenient to obtain all 
the articles specified, others possessing the same properties 
may be substituted. 

A more scientific method in the arrangement of this work, 
would, perhaps, have been more agreeable to some persons, 
but less useful to the generality of readers. Much suffering 
might be avoided, expense saved, and good done, were per- 
sons frequently and carefully to consult a work of this char- 
acter. 



EED CJ]UUAl^T.—{R{hes ruhrum.) 
{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Aperient, Attenuant, Ke- 

FRIGERANT. 



Medical Uses. — This is the fruit of a well-known garden 
shrub, from which wine is often made. It is profitably used 
to allay thirst in most febrile complaints ; to lessen an in- 
creased secretion of the bile, and to correct a putrid and scor- 
butic state of the fluids. 

The black currant is a small kind of dried imported grape, 
much used in cookery. It is considered to be highly useful 
in sore throats, and to possess a diuretic property ia a very 
considerable degree. 



396 APPENDIX. 

AKISE. — (Pimjpinella anisum.) 

Medical Uses. — The Anise plant is a native of Egypt. 
The seeds have a warm and sweetish taste, and a grateful, 
aromatic smell. An essential oil and distilled water are pre- 
pared from them, which are administered in weaknsss of the 
stomach and diarrheas: also in flatulencies and gripes, to 
which children are very subject. 

Dose. — Of the oil, from two to ten drops. 



llK}sLA.Y.ll^T)^.—{TamarindusIndica. 
{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Laxath'E, Hefrigeeant. 



This tree grows in hot climates, and is abundant in the 
West India islands. The preserves, called in the shops 
Tamarinds, consists of the fruit. They are used as a laxative 
and refrigerent, especially in bilious disorders, in which they 
have been found very useful. They are also given in drink. 



WILD CHERRY.— (Prwnw5 virgmiana.) 

{Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antemetic, Astringent, Se- 
dative, Tonic. 

Medical Uses. — The bark of this tree is bitter, and aro- 
matic to the taste. Its sedative property is in consequence 
of the presence of an oil resembling that of bitter almonds. 
It is a medicine of rare merit in cases of debility of the gas- 



APPENDIX. 397 

trie mucous membrane, with nervous irritability, which so 
often occurs in dyspepsia. It is also administered in inter- 
mittents. In large doses it reduces the pulse. It is given by 
way of infusion or powder. 

Dose. — Of powder, from one-half to a whole tea spoonful. 



LEOPARD'S BKE^.— {Arnica,). 

{PTojjyerties. — Diaphoretic, Erehine, Narcotic, Stimulant, 
Tonic. 

Medical Uses. — Arnica of the pharmacopoeias, is called 
Leopard's bane. The plant, when dried, has a slight aro- 
matic odor ; the leaves and flowers have a weak, bitter, and 
aromatic flavor ; the root is bitter and acrid. The leaves and 
flowers are narcotic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and errhine; the 
root is aromatic and tonic. 

The leaves and flowers have been highly recommended in 
paralysis, amaurosis, gout, rheumatism, and other cases : in 
an overdose they are narcotic. 

Dose. — In powder, from five to ten grains, two or three 
times a day ; or an infusion may be made with one and a half 
drachms of the dried leaves or flowers, or one drachm of the 
root, to a pint of water, and given in the quantity of a wine 
glassful. 

ALUM. 

{Properties.) — Astringent, Escharotic, Styptic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — Alum has a sweetish and very astringent 
taste. In medicine it is employed internally as an astringent. 



398 APPENDIX. 

in cases of passive hemorrhage ; in those of an active char- 
acter it is less applicable. 

Dose. — From five to twenty grains every hour or two, till 
the bleeding is restrained. 

As an astringent tonic, Alum may be given in the dose of 
ten grains, in honey or sirup, or in whey, three times a 
day. Externally, Alum is much employed as an astringent 
lotion for the eyes. 

From two to five grains, to an ounce of rose-icater^ forms a 
proper colly rium. 

It is also applied as a styptic to bleeding vessels ; as a mild 
escharotic to fungous ulcers, and as an astringent to those 
with flabby granulations. 

It is much employed as an ingredient in gargles, or as a 
wash in sore mouth and throat, relaxation of the uvula and 
aphthae, and injections for leucorrhoea. 



QUIXIXE. — ( Quince dlsidphas.) 

Medical Uses. — The commercial sulphate of Quinine is 
prepared on a large scale in France, and imported from thence. 
As a medicine it possesses the febrifuge power of the cinchona 
bark in the highest degree, and is applicable in every instance 
in which the bark is exhibited, except as a stomachic bitter in 
dyspepsia, in which case it often proves too stimulating, and 
is inferior in efficacy to a decoction of the bark. 

Dose. — The quantity is usually from one to ten grains. In 
cases of fever and ague, after the primoe vice have been pro 
perly cleansed, three grains of the sulphate, given every three 
hours during the intermission, will prevent the access of the 
paroxysm, with a certainty that appears at times almost in- 
credulous. It seems, also, to act as a prophylatic agaijjst 
intermitteuts, if taken occasionally. 



APPENDIX. 399 

STA'RCR.—(AmyIu?n.) 
{Properties.) — Absokbent, Demulcent. 



Medical (Tses. — This article is manufactured frora un- 
ground wheat. Starch exists abundantly in most plants, 
and is readily separted by pounding and washing. Ta-pioca^ 
sago.^ arrow-root^ cassaxla^ etc., are forms of impure Starch. 
A mucilage prepared from it is often beneficial, especially in 
the form of clyster, in dysentery and diarrhea. The powder 
is sometimes externally applied as an absorbent in erysipelas 
and abrasions of the skin. 



mOT,—{Fuligo ligni.) 
{Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Escharotic. 



Medical Uses. — ^Wood soot has a pungent, nauseous, bitter 
taste. It is considered to be much better than burnt alum to 
remove fungous or proud fl.esh from ulcers or wounds. The 
tincture prepared from this substance has been recommended 
as a powerful antispasmodic in hysterical affections. 



YmY.QA.'R.—{Acetum.) 

{Projperties .) — Antiseptic, Febrifuge. 



Medical Uses. — The vinegar employed for domestic pur- 
poses is obtained from an infusion of malt, from wine, or 
cider. Acetic acid of considerable strength may be prepared 



400 APPENDIX. 

by saturating perfectly dry charcoal with common vinegar, 
and distilling; the water comes over first, and, as the heat 
increases, it is followed by the acid. Strong acetic acid is 
also obtained by. exposing vinegar to a freezing temperature; 
the water congeals, while the acid remains liquid, and may 
be strained ofi". The distilled vinegar of wood is also used 
in manufactures. 



EPSOM SALT.—iMagnesice sulphas.) 
{Properties.) — Cathartic, Diaphoretic, Refrigerant. 



Medical Uses. — This is a mild purgative medicine, operat- 
ing with sufficient efficacy, and in general with ease and 
safety, seldom occasioning any gripes, or the other incon- 
veniencies of resinous purgatives. 

About an ounce may be dissolved in common water, or five 
or six tea spoonsful in a pint or quart of the purging mineral 
waters. These solutions may likewise be so managed, in 
small doses, as to produce evacuations from the other emunc- 
tories ; if the patient be kept warm, they increase perspiration, 
and by moderate exercise in the cool air, increase the urinary 
discharge. 

It is said that Epsom Salt has a peculiar efiect in allaying 
pain, as in colic, even independent of evacuation. 



miSH ^0^^.—{Chondrus crispsus.) 

{Properties.) — Demulcent, Pectoral. 

Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called carrageen. 
It is found plentifully upon rocks on the sea-coast of Ireland, 



APPENDIX. 401 

and is indigenous to the United States. It is slender, yellow- 
ish, and much curled. The decoction is gelatinous, from the 
pectine of the plant, and is a useful demulcent in pectoral and 
gastric irritations. 

By steeping the plant in cold water some minutes, any 
unpleasant flavor is separated. 



RADISH. — {RapTianus sativus.) 
(Properties.) — Diuretic, Pectoral, Stimulant. 



Medical Uses. — This is the ordinary or common garden 
kind ; and is much used as an esculent or salad. The several 
varieties of this plant are said to have been employed medi- 
cinally in the cure of calculou-s affections ; the juice, made 
into a sirup with honey or maple sugar, is given to relieve 
colds, coughs, and hoarseness. 



CTJ CUMBER.— {CuGumis sativus.) 
(Properties.) — Aperient, Diuretic, Refrigerant. 



Medical Uses. — ^For medicinal purposes, the Cucumber pos- 
sesses aperient and cooling qualities. They are very excellent 
for persons who are troubled with excessive heat of the liver 
and stomach, yet disagree with many bilious stomachs. 

The juice, used as a lotion, removes from the skin freckles, 
sunburn, redness, and other imperfections ; and is also bene- 
ficial for inflammation of the eyes. The seeds are excellent 
for suppression of urine, and are considered among the best 
remedies for ulcers in the bladder, used by way of a constant 
beverage. 



402 APPENDIX.' 

nOHSERADISH. — ( Coclilearia armoracia.) 



{Properties.) — Antiscorbutic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Eube- 

FACIENT, YeRMIFUGE. 

Medical Uses. — Horseradish has a sharp, pungent taste, 
approaching to that of mustard. An infusion of the root in 
spirit and water is very stimulating. It is considered very 
effectual in scorbutic affections ; promotes digestion ; is a use- 
ful anthelmintic for worms in children ; being taken, and also 
applied to the region of the bowels. The root bruised, is em- 
ployed as an effective application for sciatic and rheumatic dis- 
orders — for the tumefaction or enlargement of the liver and 
spleen. For internal use, perhaps the distilled water taken with 
sugar, may be more grateful to the palate in the above cases. 

" An application of the bruised leaves of Horseradish, for 
neuralgic or nervous pains in the teeth, face, or any other 
part of the body, have proved themselves of great utility by 
affording almost instantaneous relief." A sirup prepared 
from the juice of the root is employed for gravel complaint? 
and suppression of urine. 



COD-LIYER OIL.— {Oleum jecoris aselli.) 
{Properties.) — Alterative, Pectoral. 



Medical Uses. — There are several varieties of this oil, but 
that which is most in use, is of a brown color, and has the 
odor of cod-liver. It contains a very small quantity of iodine 
and bromine, and is much employed in chronic rheumatism, 
bronchitis, coughs, and other pulmonary complaints ; in 
scrofulous diseases, and obstinate swellings of the joints. It 



APPENDIX. 403 

has proved highly valuable, and is much used for curvatures 
of the spine or rickets in infants — a decided improvement 
being manifest in a short time, followed by a speedy cure. It 
is also said to be serviceable in skin diseases. This medicine 
produces no apparent action, and must be continued along 
time. 

Dose. — For infants, a tea spoonful three or four times a 
day ; for adults, a table spoonful three times a day, gradually 
increased to double the quantity. 



CASTOR 0IL.-^{Bici7ius vulgaris.) 



Description. — This plant is sometimes called ricinus com- 
munis or palma christi. It is a native of both the East, and 
West Indies, where it attains the hight of from twenty to 
thirty-five feet, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the 
world, and to a considerable extent in the United States. 
In this country it seldom grows large, or very many feet in 
hight. 

The oil is obtained from the nuts or seeds, by expression or 
decoction. That obtained by decoction is preferred, as less 
liable to become rancid, being free from the mucilage and 
acrid matter which is mixed with the oil when -expressed. 

Medical Uses. — Castor oil is a medicine which has been 
much and successfully employed, from remote antiquity to 
the present time ; it was used by Ilipprocrates and others, 
in his time; it is one of our most certain, prompt, and com- 
mon cathartics in use, usually operating in an hour, or less 
time. The seeds of the plant are a drastic cathartic, but the 
oil expressed from th^m is mild, thick, of a nauseous taste, 
and proves a very gentle and safe cathartic. The unpleasant, 
nauseating taste of the medicine is partially removed by 



404 APPENDIX. 

mixing with it, (wlien taken,) a little brandy or other spirits. 
It may be usually combined with one-third part of the tinc- 
ture of senna. 

Dose. — Of the oil, from one to four table spoonsful. 



WINE.— (Fmwm.) 



{Properties) — Antiemetic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Dia- 
PHOEETic, Stimulant, Tonic. 



Medical Uses. — The Wines employed in medicine should 
be ripe, of the mildest quality, and free from unnecessary 
acidity. Port Wine is preferred where a tonic effect is de- 
sired, but good Madeira is perhaps most worthy of confidence, 
from its being procured of better quality. Wine is universally 
admitted to be of important service, especially in fevers of the 
typhus kind, in which it is found to raise the pulse, support 
the strength, promote a diaphoresis, and improve the state 
of the blood ; and in many cases it proves of more immediate 
advantaofe than the Peruvian bark. 

Delirium, which is the consequence of excessive irrita- 
bility, and a defective state of nervous energy, is often entirely 
removed by the free use of wine. 

In malignant sore throat ; in the secondary fever of small- 
pox, when attended with great debility; in gangrenes and 
typhus fevers, it is to be considered as a principal remedy ; 
and in almost all cases of languor, and of great prostration 
of strength. Wine is experienced to be a more grateful and 
efficacious cordial than can be furnished from the whole class 
of aromatics and tonics. The Wines used by invalids should 
be old and free from acidity ; but Claret, Port, Champagne, 
etc., are sometimes prescribed to meet certain indications as 
well as to act as diffusable stimulants. The wines so employed 



APPENDIX. 405 

are comprised of the following list. Burgundy ; light, acid, 
and astringent. Champagne ; sparkling and acid, acts as a 
rapidly diffusible stimulant, and is calculated, by the presence 
of free carbonic acid, to allay vomiting. Fort Wine ; when 
old and in good condition, is strong and slightly astringent. 
It is tonic as well as stimulant, and of great service for the 
invalid whose system is lax, but may sometimes disagree 
with a weak stomach. Madeira ; very strong and slightly 
acid. This is procured of better quality than the others 
in the United States, and is well adapted to the aged, infirm, 
and convalescent. Khine Wines ; the hocks are light, acid 
Wines: they are diuretic, and very mild astringents. In 
cases of low fevers they are to be preferred, unless more 
powerful stimulants become necessary. The Clarets are light, 
acid, and astringent Wines. They therefore combine a tonic 
property with the stimulant and diuretic. They are, with the 
Rhine Wines, very improper in gouty cases. 



BELLADONKA. 

^Properties.) — Diuretic, Narcotic, Sudorific. 



Medical Uses. — The common name for this plant is deadly 
nigJitsJiade. It is a powerful narcotic. It is said to be of 
great utility in scirrhous and cancerous affections ; in neuroses, 
erysipelas, and as a preventive in scarlatina. 

Dose. — Of the tincture, from twenty to forty drops. Of 
the dried leaves, in powder, a grain, gradually increased to 
ten or twelve grains ; or an infusion may be made. 

The tincture may be made after the following manner. 
Take of Belladonna leaves, dried, four ounces ; dilute alcohol, 
one quart. Infuse fifteen days, express and strain. Exter- 
nally applied. Belladonna has great efficacy in allaying local 

pain and spasm, and in neuralgic pains of the face and teeth 
33 



406 APPENDIX. 

CALCmED UAG'NESIA.— {Magnesia usta) 
Properties. — Absorbent, Antacid. 



Medical Uses. — This medicine is employed as an absorbcDt 
and antacid in cardialgia, spasms, convulsions, and severe 
griping pains in the bowels of infants ; flatulencies, pyrosis, 
and some other diseases ; rickets, scrofula, constipation, leu- 
corrhea, crusta lactea, or milk scab, and podagra or gout in 
the foot. 

Dose. — For an adult, from a scruple to a good sized tea 

spoonful. 

«-»« 

AMARANTH. — {Amarantus Tiypocliondriacus.) 

{Properties) — Antisyphilitic, Astringent, Detergent, 
Styptic. 

Description. — The common name for this plant is Prince^'s 
feather. It has very elegant tufts of red flowers, and they 
retain their beauty a long time after having been gathered ; 
hence it is much cultivated in gardens for ornament. Its seed 
is of a shining black color. It continues in flower from August 
until the appearance of frost. 

Medical Uses. — The use of this plant is calculated to arrest 
bleeding ; also, to remove from the system impurities or viti- 
tated humors. 

The pulverized flowers, taken in any convenient form, 
checks diarrhea, dysentery, immoderate menses, fluor albus, 
bleeding at the nose, and other preternatural discharges. 

There is also a plant of the same name, producing white 
flowers, which is considered to possess remarkable antisyphili- 
tic qualities. 



APPENDIX, 407 

OLIYE OR SWEET OlL.—{Oleicm oUvcea.) 
(Properties.) — Demulcent, Laxative. 



Medical Uses. — ^The common Olive grows to the hight of 
twenty-five or thirty feet, having an upright stem with numer- 
ous branches. The tree grows in warm climates, and is much 
cultivated in the south of Europe for its fruit, also called the 
Olive, from which is expressed the Olive oil. They are used 
also for pickles. 

The oil is frequently taken successfully for worms, and 
pains in the bowels, colic, and costivenesss ; and by way of 
external application it alleviates burns, chafes, and swellings ; 
likewise is considered a valuable remedy for poisoned wounds, 
or bites of poisonous animals or serpents. It forms an in- 
gredient in many useful cerates and liniments. 



MAPLE SUGAR. — (Acer saccharinum.) 
{Properties.) — Aperient, Pectoral. 



Description. — The Sugar Maple tree is as tall as the oak, 
and from two to three feet in diameter ; puts forth a white 
blossom in the spring, before any appearance of leaves ; its 
ashes afford a large quantity of valuable potash. It is found 
quite abundantly in the space between forty-one and forty-six 
degrees north latitude. From four to five pounds of sugar 
are afforded by the sap of one tree. It is tapped in March. 
In the process of boiling, the sugar is separated from the sap. 
When refined it is of a very fine quality. 

Medical Uses. — The juice which is extracted from the 
Sugar Maple tree is strengthening to the lungs, and useful 



408 APPENDIX. 

in pulmonary complaints. A sirup made from the juice, by 
boiling to a proper consistence, will be found very available 
in obstructions of the liver and spleen, and to ease pains in 
the sides resulting from tliese disorders. 

A combination of marsh mallow roots, flowers of coifs- 
foot^ and Maple sirup or sugar, furnishes an excellent sirup 
in coughs. 

A free use of the sirup of Maple has been considered of 
utility in impurities of the blood, or a corrupt and vitiated 
state of the humors. 



YY.K^ll.—{Fermentum.) 
{Properties.) — Antiseptic, Tonic. 



Medical Uses, — Brewer's Yeast, or that which rises on 
beer while fermenting, has the property of exciting that pro- 
cess in various other substances. Medicinally it is antipu- 
trescent and tonic, and has been found useful internally in the 
cure of putrid and typhoid fever, and malignant ulcerous 
sore throat. 

Dose. — A spoonful every hour. 

Should it prove laxative, or gripe, the dose must be dimin- 
ished. Externally, it is used as a cataplasm, mixed with 
charcoal or cracker, to prevent gangrene or mortification. 



ASAFCETIDA.— (i^en^Z^. asafoetida) 

{Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antispasmodic, Emmena- 
GOGUE, Stimulant. 

Medical Uses. — This plant is a native of Persia. That is 
accounted best, which is clear, of a pale reddish color, and 



APPENDIX, 409 

variegated with a large number of white tears. It jdelds all ita 
virtues to alcohol. It is employed, and considered one of the 
most valuable remedies in hysteria, hypochondriasis, flatulent 
colics, and nervous diseases. Where we wish it to act with- 
out delay as an antispasmodic, it should be used in a fluid 
form, as that of tincture. When in the form of enema, one 
or two drachms of the solid are to be difiused in eight ounces 
of warm milk or water. It is sometimes applied externally 
in the form of plaster as a stimulant and discutient. 

Dose. — Of tincture, from one-half to two tea spoonsful. 
Of powder, from five grains to one scruple. 



PINK ROOT.— (Wild.)— (^z>6Zm marilandica) 
{Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Cathartic, JSTarcotic. 



DesGription. — This plant is also called Carolina pinh^ per- 
ennial worm-grass., or Indian pink. It rises with slender, 
simple stems, fifteen or eighteen inches in hight, furnished at 
stated spaces with entire, opposite, ovate, acuminate leaves, 
even on the edges, of a lucid green on the upper surface, paler, 
and with somewhat prominent veins on the under surface. 
Flowers arranged at the summit of the stems, in a corymb or 
cluster — crimson colored on the outer side, long, hollow, some- 
what inflated at the middle, dwindling down to the base, and 
parted at the border into five narrow, acute segments, the 
inner sides of which are of a light greenish yellow. 

Calyx deeply cleft into five slender, acuminate or subulate 
segments. The root is small, containing numerous fibers of 
a brownish color. It is mostly found in the Southern and 
Western States. It delights in low, moist grounds, and 
Sowers in June. 



410 APPENDIX. 

Medical Uses. — The whole of this plant, but nsuallj the 
root, is employed as a vermifuge. Some physicians recom- 
mend it in continued and remitting low worm-fevers. It is 
slightly narcotic. 

Dose. — Of the powder, to be given to adults for worms, 
three tea spoonsful ; for children four years of age. from one- 
half to a whole tea spoonful. 

It should be mixed with calomel or some suitable purgative 
medicine. An overdose often produces stupor, headache, 
and delirium. 



CABBKG^.—{Brassica.) 



{Proj)erties.) — Antiscorbutic, Aperient, Pectoral, Re- 
frigerant. 



Medical Uses. — This garden plant having large and fleshy- 
leaves, is very extensively used as an esculent, and in the form 
of medicine it is beneficial to persons of a consumptive ten- 
dency. A decoction of the flowers taken with honey or 
maple sugar, relieves hoarseness, and restores loss of voice. 
The pulp of the midrib of the leaves, boiled in the milk of 
almonds, and made into a due consistence with honey, is a 
very profitable medicine for patients who are pursy and 
afliicted with shortness of breath, and for dyspnoea or asth- 
matic subjects. 

An infusion of Cabbage leaves used as a wash, and, at the 
same time, some of the fresh leaves, bruised and employed as 
a warm external application, is a mode of treatment calcu- 
lated to allay pains and swellings of the gout, and to afibrd 
relief in cases of pleurisy. The infusion, used as a lotion, is 
of sei'vice in scabious eruptions and corrupt cutaneous sores. 
The expressed juice is of a cooling nature ; boiled with honey, 



APPENDIX. 411 

and used bv vray of drops, it is said to be good for dimness 
of sight and ulcerations of the eves. 

Cabbages in general, -^hen eaten as food, are somewhat 
hard of digestion, and are apt to produce flatulency in weak 
stomachs. 

The pickles of cabbage are considered as antiscorbutic, 
from the vinegar and spices they contain. 



CO¥IE'E.—{Cofea arahica.) 



{Properties) — Antisopoeic, Asteixgent, Xeeyln'e, Siniu- 
LAXT, Toxic. 

Medical Uses. — The seeds of this ti'ee furnishes one of our 
most common drinks. The beverage is stimulating, and 
when habitually taken too strong, it produces ill effects, in 
impariug the digestion, and inducing nervous irritability. 
Possessing nervine and astringent qualities, it may be drank 
with advantage at all times, except when there is a redun- 
dance of bile. It is said to be a partial antidote against an 
overdose of opium, and to relieve obstinate spasmodic asth- 
mas. Coffee, to those unaccustomed to its use, is often bind- 
ing or astringent, but to those in good health, rather stimulat- 
incf, inducinor a natural evacuation. 



BITTER APPLE.— (Ciiczr/722'.5 coIocyntMs.) 
{Properties.) — Cathaetic, Febeifuge, Toxic. 



Medical Uses. — This is also called hitter gourd or hitter 
cucurrtber. It is an annual vine, a native of Syria and Africa. 



412 APPENDIX. 

The fruit is a round pepo, the size of a small orange, yellow, 
and smooth on the outside when ripe ; trilocular, each cell 
containing many ovate, compressed, whitish seeds, enveloped 
by a white, spongy pulp, which is inodorous, extremely bitter, 
and nauseous. Ether, alcohol, and water, extract its virtues. 
It is a drastic purgative, producing violent griping, and is 
mostly given in the form of an extract, combined with aloes 
and other drugs. It has been found useful in intermittents 
or fever and ague. 

Dose. — From two to five grains. 



LARKSPUR. — {DelpTiiniura consolida.) 

Medical Uses. — The root and seeds of this pretty garden 
plant are acrid and bitter, acting as a purgative and emetic 
in large doses. 



PERSIMMOX. — {Diospijros virgiiiiana.) 



Medical Uses. — The unripe fruit, which is very astringent, 
has been used in simple diarrhea, by way of infusion. The 
bark is astringent and bitter. 



LI]N'SEED. — {Li7iiim usitatissimum.) 
(Properties) — Emolliext, Purgative. 



Medical Uses. — ^Linseed is the common flax, usually called 
flax-seed.) the seeds of which have an unctuous, mucilaginous, 



APPENDIX. 413 

sweetish taste. On expression, they yield a large quantity of 
oil ; boiled in water, they yield a large proportion of strong 
mucilage, which is employed as a demulcent in cough, hoarse- 
ness, and pleuritic symptoms, and is likewise recommended 
in nephritic pains and strangury. The meal of the seeds is 
also much used externally, in emollient and maturating cata- 
plasms. The oil is demulcent or emollient, and it is fre- 
quently administered in the form of clyster in colics and obsti- 
pation. Cold drawn Linseed oil, with lime-water and extract 
of lead, forms, in many instances, an excellent application 
for burns and scalds. 

Dose. — Of the oil, for internal use, from half to a whole 
ounce. The tea may be taken freely, without any particular 
regard to quantity, w^hich will produce better effect, when 
sweetened with honey. 



STAE Q^nA.^'^.—{Aletrisfarinosa.) 

Medical Uses. — This plant, called likewise star-root or mealy 
star-root^ is a very common plant in the United States ; it is a 
strong bitter, yet is one of our best and most simple tonics and 
stomachics. The root is the part employed in medicine, being 
of utility in cases of colic, fever, rheumatism, and debility. 

Dose. — Of the tincture from fifteen to thirty drops ; of the 
powder, from six to twelve grains. 



EHUBARB.— (i?Aez/m.) 



Medical Uses. — There are several species of this plant, but 
the Turkey Rhubarb is considered the best. The root is the 
part used for medicinal purposes ; it is much employed as a 
moderate cathartic. It is a medicine well calculated to arrest 
dysentery, cholera morbus, and cholera infantum. 



DISEASES. 



ULCERS AND PIMPLES ON THE TONGUE. 



Small pimples are very often found on the tongue, which 
at last form ulcers. Sometimes they are occasioued by the 
rough, uneven edge of a broken or decayed tooth : when this 
is the case, the parts must be smoothed by a file, or the tooth 
extracted ; the sore then will heal without further trouble. 
Greyish or whitish appeariug specks, which seem inclined to 
spread, are also found on the inside of the lips and cheeks. 
They are easily removed by touchiug their surfaces with burnt 
alum. 



NETTLE 'RASH.— (Urticaria.) 



Symptoms. — An eruption similar to that caused by the 
stingiug of nettles, whence its name. On rubbing the skin 
which itches, the eruption will suddenly appear, remain for a 
moment, then vanish, breakiug out in some other spot. The 
parts aflected are swelled, at one time presenting the appear- 
ing of welts, as from the stroke of a whip-lash, and at another 
that of white, solid bumps. 

Treatment. — A few doses of Epsom salts, and a little 
attention to the diet, which should be mild, are usually suf- 
ficient to remove it. If it proceeds from eating poisonous 
fish, or any unwholesome food, administer an emetic, etc., as 
directed in such cases. 

( 415 ) 



416 APPENDIX. 

MERCURIAL ULCERS IN THE MOUTH. 



Large, dark looking ulcers in the mouth, are a common 
effect of the abuse of mercury. They may be known by the 
highly offensive smell of the breath, by the teeth being 
loosened from the gums, and by a coppery taste in the mouth. 

Treatment. — Omit all mercurial preparations; wash the 
mouth frequently with sage tea, or vinegar and water ; drink 
freely of sarsaparilla tea, and keep the bowels open with sul- 
phur. 



PUTRID SORE THROAT. 



Sym/ptoms. — This malignant disease commences with 
shivering, followed by heat and languor ; all the indications 
of typhus are present ; on the second day a difficulty of swal- 
lowing is experienced ; a quick, weak, and irregular pulse ; 
scarlet patches break out about the lips, and the inside of the 
mouth and throat is of a fiery red color. About the third day, 
blotches of a dark red color make their appearance on the 
face and neck, which soon extends over the whole body. 
Upon examining the throat, a number of specks, of a greyish 
or brown color, are observed on the palate, uvula, tonsils, etc.; 
a brown fur covers the tongue ; the lips are covered with small 
vesicles or bladders, which burst and emit a thin, acrid 
matter, that produces ulceration wherever it touches. In bad 
cases the inside of the mouth and throat becomes black, and 
are covered with foul, spreading ulcers. 

It is distinguished from scarlet fever by the fever being 
typhus and not inflammatory, by the sore throat, dark tongue, 
and putrid symptoms; and from measles, by the absence of 
cough, sneezing, watering of the eyes, etc. 



APPENDIX, 417 

Treatment. — Bleeding in this case is absolutely forbidden. 
The same may be said of active or strong purgatives. The 
bowels, however, should be kept open by mild laxatives or 
clysters. If towards the close of the complaint there is any 
obstruction, a few grains of calomel and rhubarb may be 
given. Cold water dashed over the body is one of the most 
powerful remedies we can employ ; it should never be omitted ; 
and as soon as the patient is dried and in bed, half a pint of 
strong mulled wine should be given to him. This practice, 
boldly followed, frequently puts an end to the disease. 

Emetics are of great utility in the beginning of the disease, 
but the great and evident indication is to prevent and counter- 
act the disposition to putrescency, and to support the strength. 
For this purpose the cold infusion of bark, or bark in sub- 
stance, with ten or twelve drops of muriatic acid, and seven 
or eight drops of laudanum, should be administered fre- 
quently, and in large doses. 

A mixture of one-third salt, and two-thirds vinegar, made 
strong with cayenne pepper, is invaluable, and often arrests 
the disease in the beginning. 

Dose. — Half a tea spoonful every fifteen minutes. Gargle 
the throat often with vinegar and water, to cleanse it. Any 
looseness should be checked by powerful astringents. 

The diet should consist of arrow root, jelly, panada, tapioca, 
and gruel, and the drink of wine whey, wine and water, etc., 
increasing the quantity of the wine according to the weakness 
and age of the patient. The greatest cleanliness is to be ob- 
served in the chamber. As the disease is undoubtedly con- 
tagious, those who are compelled to be in the room, should 
take frequently a spoonful of the mixture by way of pre- 
vention. 



CONCLUSION. 

In bringing the labors of this volume to a close, it may not 
be improper to express a hope that a work which has com- 
manded the mind and time of the author for a long period, 
will not be laid by with the casual perusal usually given to 
ordinary books ; but that it will become a work of daily 
reference and daily examination, even when there is no sick- 
ness in the family to make its pages of special interest to the 
reader. 

A careful study of any of the multitude of subjects here 
treated upon, will add to the store of knowledge in possession 
of the reader, ideas that may be of very great value in the 
time of need. The sufferings of a fellow-being may be as- 
suaged, and even the life of a beloved friend or a bosom com- 
panion may be saved by the timely application of knowledge 
obtained from such study. Certainly many anxieties and 
false alarms may be avoided by a thorough knowledge of the 
contents of this work ; and if it does no more than that, no 
small amount of good will be the result. 

That every person, and more especially every mother in the 
land, may become competent to properly and intelligently dis- 
charge the duties of a nurse, and if necessary, in ordinary 
cases, that of physician also, is the earnest desire of the 
author of this book; and if it contributes to that end, the 
labor that has been bestowed upon it will be amply repaid. 



SYNONYMS 



PAGE. 

Acetum Vinegar 399 

Acer saccharmum Maple sugar 407 

Acliillea millefolium Yarrow 172 

Adiantum pedatum Maidenhair 98 

Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 14 

Allium cepa Onion 114 

Allium sativum Garlic 62 

Althasa officinalis Marshmallow 99 

Amarantus hypochondriacus Amaranth 406 

Amygdalus persica Peach 117 

Amylum Starch 399 

Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel 121 

Anemone pratensis Pasque Flower 116 

Anethum graveolens Dill 51 

Anethum foeniculum Fennel 56 

Anthemis nobilis Chamomile 39 

Anthemis pja-ethrum Pellitory of Spain 118 

Anthemis cotula May-weed, wild chamomile . 103 

Antirrhinum linaria Toad-flax 157 

Apium petroselinum Parsley .* 115 

Apocynum androseemifolium . . . .Bitter-root 22 

Aralia hispida Dwarf elder 52 

Aralia racemosa Spignet or spikenard 151 

Aralia nudicaulis Sarsaparilla 139 

Archangelica atropurpurea Angelica 16 

Arctium lappa Burdock 33 

Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia snake-root 162 

Arnica Leopard's bane 397 

Artemisia abrotanum Southern wood 150 

Artemisia absinthium Wormwood 171 

C419) 



420 SYNONYMS. 



PACT. 



Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort 107 

Arum triphyllum Wake Robin or wild turnip. 163 

Asarum canadense Wild ginger 169 

Asclepias syriaca Milk-weed or silk-weed .... 105 

Asclepias tuberosa Pleurisy-root 124 

Aspidium felix mas Fern 57 

Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's tongue 71 

Baptisia tinctoria Wild indigo 84 

Baptisia alba Prairie indigo 84 

Belladonna Deadly nightshade 405 

Berberis vulgaris Barberry 19 

Borago officinalis Borage 31 

Brassica Cabbage 410 

Bryonia alba Bryony 32 

Cannabis sativa Hemp, 75 

Carum carui Caraway 35 

Capsicum annuum Cayenne pepper 37 

Cassia marylandica American senna 14 

Caulophyllum thalictrodes Blue cohosh 27 

Celastrus scandens Bitter-sweet 22 

Celendula officinalis Marigold 101 

Centaurea benedicta Blessed thistle 26 

Cephajlis ipecacuanha Ipecacuanha 84 

Cerastium vulgatum Chick-weed 40 

Chameepitys Ground pine 69 

Chelidonium majus Celandine 38 

Chelone glabra Balmony 19 

Chimaphila umbellata Wintergreen, Pipsissewa . . . 169 

Chironia angularis Centaury 38 

Chondrus crispus Irish moss 400 

Cichorium endivia Endive 54 

Cichorium intybus Succory 153 

Cimicifuga racemosa Black-snake root 25 

Cochlearia armoracia Horseradish 402 

Cochlearia officinalis. Scurvy -grass 142 

Cochlearia coronopus Wild scurvy -grass 142 

Coculus palmatus Columbo 46 

Coffea arabica , Coffee 411 



SYNONYMS. 421 



PAGB 



Colchicuni autumnale Meadow-saffron 386 

Comptonia asplenifolia Sweet fern 57 

Conium maculatum Hemlock 74 

Convallaria magalis Lily of the valley 91 

Convallaria miiltiflora Solomon's seal 147 

Convolvulus jalappa Jalap or bindweed 86 

Coptis trifolia Gold-thread 66 

Crocus sativus Saffron 135 

Cucumis colocyntliis Bitter ajDple 411 

Cucumis sativus Cucumber 401 

Cynoglossum officinale Hound's-tongue 80 

Cypripedium humile Lady's slipper 88 

Cypripedium pubescens Yellow lady's slipper 89 

Datura stramonium Jamestown weed 354 

Daucus carota Wild carrot 36 

Delphinium consolida Larkspur 412 

Dianthus caryophyllus Clove or carnation pink .... 44 

Digitalis purpurea Foxglove 60 

Dioscorea villosa Yam-root or china-root 172 

Diospyros virginiana Persimmon 412 

Erythronium americanum Adder's tongue 13 

Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset or thoroughwort. ... 30 

Eupatorium purpureum Queen of the meadow 128 

Euphrasia officinalis Eye-bright 55 

Fermentum Yeast 408 

Ferula asafoetida Asafoetida 408 

Fragaria virginiana Strawberry 152 

Frasera carolinensis American columbt) 14 

Fumaria officinalis Fumitory 61 

Fuligo ligni Soot 399 

Galium aparine Cleavers or goose-grass 43 

Gentiana purpurea Gentian 63 

Geranium maculatum Crane's-bill 49 

Geranium robertianum Herb Kobert 77 

Geum rivale Avens 17 

Gillenia trifoliata Indian physic 83 

Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy 68 

Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice 90 

34 



422 SYNONYMS. 

TXOZ 

GnapTiallam polycephalum Life-everlasting : 91 

Gratiola officinalis Hedge or wild hyssop 72 

Hedeoma pulegioides Pennyroyal 119 

Helleborus niger Black hellebore 73 

Hepatica triloba Liverwort 92 

Heracleum lannatum Masterwort 103 

Humulus lupulus Hops 79 

Hydrastis canadensis Golden seal 65 

Hyoscyamus niger Henbane 76 

Hypericum perfoliatum St. John's wort 137 

Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop 82 

Ictodes foetidus Skunk, or swamp cabbage . . 144 

Inula helenium Elecampane 53 

Iris versicolor Blue flag 28 

Juglans cinerea Butternut or white walnut. . 35 

Juniperus communis Juniper 87 

Juniperus sabina Savine 140 

Lactuca sativa Lettuce 90 

Laurus sassafras Sassafras 189 

Lavandula spica Lavender 89 

Leontodon taraxacum Dandelion 50 

Leonurus cardiaca Motherw^ort 106 

Leptandra virginica Black-root 25 

Leucanthemum vulgare Daisy 50 

Liatris spicata Colic root 45 

Ligusticum levisticum Lovage 95 

Lilium candidum "White lily 165 

Lilium philadelphicum Tiger lily 157 

Linum usitatissimum Linseed 412 

Liriodendron tulipifera Whitewood, tulip tree 167 

Lobelia cardinalis Eed lobelia 132 

Lobelia inflata Lobelia 93 

Lobelia syphilitica Blue lobelia 28 

Lonicera caprifolium Woodbine or honeysuckle . . 170 

Lythrum salicaria Loosestrife 94 

Macrotrys racemosa Black cohosh 24 

Magnesise sulphas Epsom salt 400 

Magnesia usta. Calcined magnesia 406 



SYNONYMS. 423 

Magnolia yulan Magnolia tree 97 

Malva rotiindifolia Dwarf mallows 99 

Malva sylvestris Mallows 98 

Marrubium vulgare Horehoimcl 78 

Melilotus officinalis Melilot or king's clover .... 104 

Melissa officinalis ; Balm 17 

Menispermum canaclense Yellow parilla 173 

Mentha piperita Peppermint 121 

Mentha viridis Spearmint , 151 

Monarda punctata Horsemint 80 

Morns nigra Mulberry 108 

Myrica cerifera Bayberry 20 

Myrica gale Sweet gale 155 

Myrrha Myrrh Ill 

Nepeta cataria Catnip 36 

Nicotiana tabacura Tobacco 158 

Nymphsea odorata White pond lily 166 

Oleum jecoris aselli Cod-liver oil 402 

Oleum oliv£ea Olive or sw^eet oil 407 

Origanum vulgare Marjoram 101 

Oxalis acetosella * Wood sorrel 148 

Oxycoccus macrocarpus Cranberry 48 

Pseonia officinalis Peony 120 

Panax quinquefolium. Ginseng 64 

Papaver somniferum Poppy 125 

Parthenium integrifolium Cutting almond ., 50 

Pimpinella anisum Anise * 396 

Plantago major Plantain 122 

Podophyllum peltatum Mandrake 100 

Polemonium reptans Greek valerian 68 

Polygala senega Seneka snake-root 143 

Polygonum aviculare Knot grass 88 

Polygonum bistorta Bistort 21 

Polygonum hydropiper Smart weed 145 

Polypodium vulgare Polypody 124 

Populus balsamifera Balm of Gilead 18 

Populus tremuloides Poplar 125 

Portulaca oleracea Purslain 127 



424 SYNONYMS. 



PAGE. 



Potentilla reptans Cinquefoil 41 

Potentilla tormentilla Tormentil 159 

Prinos vcrticillatus Black alder 23 

Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 143 

Prunus virginiana Wild cherry 396 

Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort 96 

Pyrethrum parthenium Featherfew 58 

Pyrus cydonia Quince 130 

Quercus Oak 113 

Quina3 disulphas Quinine 398 

Ranunculus bulbosus Butter cup 34 

Paphanus sativus Radish 401 

Rheum Rhubarb 413 

Ribes grossularia Gooseberry 66 

Ribes rubrum Red currant 395 

Ricinus vulgaris Castor oil 403 

Resela luteola Weld or dyer's weed 165 

Rhus glabrum Sumach 154 

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary 132 

Rubia tinctorium Madder 96 

Rubus occidentalis Blackbeny 24 

Rubus strigosus Raspberry 131 

Rumex acetosa Sorrel 148 

Rumex acetosa Southern sorrel 149 

Rumex crispus Yellow dock 173 

Ruta graveolens Rue 134 

Salix alba White willow 168 

Salvia officinalis Sage '. . . 136 

Salvia sclarea Clary 42 

Sambucus canadensis Elder 52 

Sanguinaria canadensis Blood root 27 

Saponaria officinalis Soapwort 146 

Satureia bortensis Summer savory 141 

Satureia montana Winter savory 141 

Scilla maritima Squill 152 

Scutellaria lateriflora Blue scuUcap 29 

Sempervivum tectorum House-leek 81 

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel. 70 



SYNONYMS. 425 

PAQK. 

Silpliium perfoliatum Indian cup-plant 82 

Sinapis nigra Mustard 110 

Sisymbrium nasturtium Water-cress 164 

Sisymbrium officinale Hedge-mustard 72 

Socotrine Aloes 15 

Solidago virgaurea Golden-rod 64 

Solidago odora Sweet-scented golden-rod ... 65 

Spigelia marilandica Wild pink-root 409 

Spirtea filipendula Filipendula 59 

Spiraea ulmaria Queen of the meadow 128 

Statice caroliniana Marsli-rosemary 102 

Stillingia sylvatica Queen's delight 129 

Symphytum officinale Comfrey 47 

Tamarindus indica Tamarind 396 

Tanacetum vulgare Tansy 155 

Thymus vulgaris Thyme 156 

Thymus serpyllum Wild thyme 156 

Trifolium pratense Clover or honey-suckle 45 

Trillium erectum Beth root 21 

Tussilago farfara Colt's-foot 45 

Ulmus fulva Slippery elm 145 

TJrtica dioica Nettle 112 

Vaccinium uliginosum Whortleberry 167 

Valeriana officinalis Valerian 160 

Verbascum thapsus Mullein 109 

Verbena hastata Vervain 161 

Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 32 

Vinum Wine 404 

Viola odorata Violet 161 

Viola tricolor Heart's ease or pansy 71 

Vitis vinifera Grape vine 67 

Xanthorrhiza apiifolia Yellow'-root 174 

Xanthoxylum fraxineum. ....... Prickly ash 126 



NAMES OF DISEASES 



PAGE. 



Apoplexia Apoplexy 297 

Aptha infantum Thrush, infantile sore mouth. 205 

Arthritis G-out 203 

Calculus Stone, gravel 244 

Caligo Dimness of sight 316 

Carditis, endocarditis, pericarditis Diseases of the heart 293 

Catarrhus Catarrh, or cold and coughs. 258 

Chorea St. Vitus's dance 805 

Constipation Costiveness 217 

Cynanche, laryngitis, tracheitis . . Croup 268 

Cystitis Inflammation of the bladder. 244 

Diabetes Immoderate secretion of urine 245 

Dysenteria Dysentery, or bloody-flux . . . 214 

Dyspepsia Indigestion 211 

Encephalitis, phrenitis Inflammation of the brain, 

brain fever 294 

Enteralgia Colic 227 

Enteritis Inflammation of the bowels. 212 

Epilepsia Epilepsy, fits 304 

Flatulentus Flatulence 217 

Furunculus Boil 249 

Gastritis Inflammation of the stomach. 208 

Haemoptysis Spitting of blood 281 

Hemorrhage of the lungs Vomiting blood 285 

Hemorrhoids Piles 238 

Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver. . . 231 

Hydrops Dropsy 311 

Icterus Jaundice 233 

Invermination Worms 220 

Nephritis Inflammation of the kidneys. 242 

( 427 ) 



428 NAMES OF DISEASES. 

Ophialtes Nightmare 309 

Oplitlialmitis Inflammation of the eyes . . . 307 

Panaris paronychia Felon, or whitlow 224 

Paralysis Palsy 300 

Parotitis Mumps 237 

Perniones Chilblains 254 

Phthisis pulmonalis Consumption of the lungs. . 286 

Pleuritis Pleurisy 273 

Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs, 

lung fever 271 

Psora, scabies Itch 248 

Pyrosis Heartburn or water-brash. . . 241 

Scarlatina Scarlet fever 197 

Scorbutus Scurvy 252 

Scrofula King's evil 222 

Splenitis Inflammation of the spleen. . 236 

Syncope Fainting, swooning 310 

Tinea capitis, porrigo Ring-worm of the scalp .... 250 

Tonsillitis Quinsy 207 

Trachea Bronchitis or inflammation of 

the bronchia 269 

Tussis Cough 261 

Ulcera Ulcers 255 

Urticaria Nettle rash 414 

Variola Small-pox 191 

Varioloid Modified sinall-pox 195 



GLOSSARY 



Abdomen. The belly. 

Abortion. Miscarriage. 

Abortive. A medicine possess- 
ing the power to produce abor- 
tion ; in botany, ilowers which 
yield imperfect seed. 

Abscess. A boil, swelling, or tu- 
mor containing purulent mat- 
ter. 

Absorbent. A medicine or sub- 
stance which dries or absorbs 
moisture or fluid, both in the 
stomach, and in external ulcers ; 
as starch, chalk, magnesia, etc. 

Abstinence. To abstain ; as to 
fast, or diminish the usual 
quantity of food. 

Acid. That which produces a 
sharp, sour taste; as vinegar, 
lemons, minerals, etc. 

Acrid. Biting, pungent, sharp 
to the taste, or flesh. 

Acrimony. Corrosive, 
ness ; as the acrimony 
humors. 

Acuminate. Having a long, ex- 
tended point or termination; 
as an acuminate leaf. 

Acute. In botany, sharp pointed ; 
it is opposite to blunt ; in pa- 
thology, the term properly be- 
longs to diseases which are of 
short duration, but are usually 
attended with a great degree of 
severity. 

Adjunct. An assistant; added 
to, or united with. 



sharp- 
of the 



Adult. A person or plant that 
has arrived to a state of ma- 
turity. 

Affection. A diseased or morbid 
state of the body ; as, a drop- 
sical affection, neuralgic affec- 
tion, etc. 

Affinity. Likeness; similarity; 
resemblance. 

Ague. A periodical fever; inter- 
mittent fever, or fever and ague. 

Albumen. The white of an egg ; 
in botany, the substance which 
forms the principal bulk of 
some seeds, as coffee, corn, 
etc. 

Aliment. Nutriment; food, or 
any substance which nourishes. 

Alimentary canal. The tube, or 
duct, which conveys the food 
from the mouth through the 
body. 

Alkalescent. Possessing alkaline 
properties in'a slight degree. 

Alkali. That which, mixed with 
acid, produces fermentation. 

Alterative. A medicine which 
has the power of changing 
or re-establishing the healthy 
functions of the system, with- 
out any perceptible evacua- 
tions. 

Alternate. In botany, leaves are 
said to be alternate w^hen they 
put forth at nearly regular 
spaces from each other around 
. the 
(429) 



the stem in a straight line 



430 



GLOSSARY. 



BeconcI, or line "below, tlie leaves 
are placed at tlie same distance 
apart, but opposite to those 
above, or alternately arranged. 

Alternately. Any thing which 
comes by turns ; as leaves are 
alternately arranged. 

Alvine. Belonging to the belly ; 
as alvine discharges from the 
intestines. 

Amenorrhea. An obstruction of 
the menses. 

Amplexicaul, To surround ; to 
fold ; as a leaf clasping or em- 
bracing the stem. 

Analagous. Any thing which 
bears a resemblence or simi- 
larity to another. 

Anasarca. Dropsy. 

Ancipital. Two-edged. 

Angular. A pointed stalk, or ona 
having corners or angles. 

Annually. Yearly, once a year. 

Annuity. Any sum of money 
agreed upon to be paid for a 
certain number of years, or 
for a lifetime. 

Anodyne. A medicine which has 
the power to lull and ease pain, 
likewise to stupify the senses 
and procure sleep. 

Antarthritic. A medicine which 
possesses the power of greatly 
relieving or curing the gout. 

Antemetic. A medicine calcu- 
lated to arrest and check vom- 
iting. 

Antephialtic. A medicine to cure 
the nightmare. 

Antepileptic. A euro for epi- 
lepsy. 

Anthelmintic. A remedy for 
worms. 

Anthers. In botany, the apex of 
a flower which is elevated by 
the filament. 

Anthysteric. A medicine used 
against hysterics. 



Antibilious. A medicine calcu- 
lated to counteract the over- 
flow of bile. 

Anticachectic. A medicine hav- 
ing the power to correct an ill 
habit of body or constitution. 

Anticatarrhal. A medicine used 
for catarrh. 

Antidote. A medicine which 
removes the effects of poison, 
or proves a preventive against 
it. 

Antidysenterlc. A medicine to 
cure the dysentery. 

Antifebrile. A medicine which 
checks, allays, and removes 
fever. 

Antilithic. A medicine which is 
calculated to remove calculus 
formations. 

Antlnephritlc. A remedy for 
diseases of the kidneys. 

Antiperiodic. A medicine which 
has the power of preventing 
tlie return of intermittents. 

Antipharmic. A medicine to 
resist and counteract poison. 

Antiphlogistic. Means calculated 
to lessen or reduce inflamma- 
tion, as purging, refrigerants, 
together with very spare and 
"simple form of diet. 

Antipsoric. Eemedy for the itch. 

Antipyrotic. Remedies used in 
the cure of burns. 

Antiscorbutic. A remedy for 
scurvy. 

Antiscrofulous. Medicines oi 
other means calculated to re- 
move scrofula. 

Antiseptic. Medicines which op- 
pose or counteract mortification 
or a putresent tendency in the 
system. 

Antispasmodic. Medicine which 
mitigates severe pain unattend- 
ed with inflammation, relieves 
spasms, cramps, etc. 



GLOSS ART 



431 



Antistrnmons. The same as 
antisci'ofulons. 

Antisyphilitic. A medicine given 
in syphilis or the venereal dis- 
ease. 

Anus. That part of the hody 
by which excrement is expel- 
led. 

Aperient. A medicine which is 
calculated to gently open the 
bowels. 

Apthous. Thrush, or ulcers in 
the mouth. 

Apoplexy. A sudden deprivation 
of sense and voluntary motion. 

Apostume. An abscess. 

Appendage. In botany, the seed 
vessel, or any thing added to the 
stem or leaf. 

Aquatic. Applied to plants which 
grow in ths water. 

Aromatic. In medicine, a drug 
or plant having a peculiar 
spicy odor, and a warm, grate- 
ful flavor. 

Arterial. Relating to the arteries. 

Arthritis. The gout, or inflam- 
mation of the small joints. It 
is considered an hereditary com- 
plaint, which sometimes affects 
the stomach. 

Ascarides. Intestinal worms. 

Asthenic. A weak state of body ; 
debility. 

Asthma. A disease characterized 
by difficult respiration, recur- 
ring in paroxyms, accompanied 
with a wheezing sound and 
cough. 

Astrictive. Styptic ; binding. 

Astringent. A medicine which 
tends to heal; dry; bind; or 
cicatrize ; as an astringent de- 
coction, or wash. 

Atrophy. The perishing or wast- 
ing away of a limb, from pa- 
ralysis ; or the wasting of any 
other part of the body. 



Attenuant. A medicine which 
acts as a diluent, and pos- 
sesses the power of making thin 
the blood, and the fluids or 
humors of the body; likewise 
of making the body thin or 

. lean. 

Aura. An effluvium, or exha- 
lation of a subtle vapor. 

Autumn. The fiiU, or the season 
preceding winter. 

Auxiliaries. Those means which 
are calculated to aid and assist. 

Axillar3^ In botany, the space 
or angle formed by a branch 
with the stem, or by a leaf 
with the stem or branch. 

Balsamic. Possessing the pro- 
perties of balsam, or having a 
healing quality. 

Base. The bottom or foot of any 
thing ; as the base of a leaf, or 
that part which unites it to the 
stem. 

Biennial. Applied to plants 
which exist for two years, 
merely putting forth leaves the 
first year, and producing blos- 
soms and seeds the second year. 

Bile. A bitter, nauseous fluid, 
of a greenish brown color, 
secreted by the liver into the 
gall-bladder, and from thence 
passes into the intestines, in 
order to promcfte digestion. 

Biliary. Pertaining to bile; as 
a medicine which removes bili- 
ary matter. 

Bipinnate. Doubly pinnate. 

Bipinnatifid. In botany, a divid- 
ed leaf, resembling a wing or 
feather, or doubly pinnatifid. 

Boil. A hard, painful, inflam- 
matory swelling, which forms 
a central core before it suppur- 
ates. 

Bronchia. Pertaining to the wind- 
pipe or lungs. 



432 



GLOSSARY. 



Bulb. A round root; as the 
onion has a bulbous root. 

Cachexia. A debilitated and ill- 
conditioned habit of body, un- 
attended with fever. 

Calculus. Pertaining to gravel 
complaints. 

Callous. Indurated or hardened ; 
as callous parts of the flesh. 

Calyx. The flower-cup. 

Cantharides. The Spanish fly ; 
used in blisters, by way of 
plasters. 

Capsule. A dry, hollow vessel, 
which contains the seeds of 
plants. 

Cardiac. A medicine which is 
considered to strengthen the 
heart, by animating the spirits, 
etc. 

Cardialgia. Heartburn ; a burn- 
ing, disagreeable sensation in 
the stomach, accompanied with 
an inclination to vomit, or a 
free discharge of very clear, 
watery fluid. 

Carditis. Inflammation around 
the heart. 

Carminative. A medicine which 
alleviates and allays pain in 
the bowels, and calculated to 
expel wind. 

Carotids. The arteries which 
convey the blood to the head. 

Catamenia. Menses. 

Cataplasm. A soft, moist sub- 
stance; a poultice. 

Cataract. A disease of the eye, 
by which the vision or sight is 
partially or entirely destroyed. 

Catarrh. 
of muGU 
throat. 

Cathartic. A medicine calculated 
to purge. 

Caulis. A stem which produces 
flowers as well as leaves. 

Caustic. An application of a 



An unusual discharge 
fi'om the head or 



substance to flesh which bums, 
eats, or corrodes. 
Cell. In botany, a hollow place 

which incloses the seeds. 

Cellular. Composed of small 
cells. 

Cephalic. A remedy for head- 
ache, or other diseases in the 
head. 

Cerate. An external application 
called ointment. 

Chalybeate. A medicine com- 
posed of water or liquor which 
has been impregnated with iron, 
as mineral waters, or chaly- 
beate wine. 

Chest. The part of the body 
which lies between the neck 
and abdomen. 

Cholera infantum. A disease pe- 
culiar to small children, attend- 
! ed with vomiting. 

Chorea. St. Vitus's dance; this 
complaint is characterized by 
! singular convulsive motions of 
the limbs. 

Chronic. A disease of long con- 
tinuance. 

Chyle. A milk-like fluid separ- 
ated from the aliment in the 
intestines. 

Cicatrized. Healed by leaving 
a slight seam or scar in the 
flesh. 

Clyster. An injection ; a liquid 
preparation thrown into the 
rectum by a syringe. 

Colic. A severe griping pain in 
the abdomen. 

Collapse. Any thing which falls 
together. 

Comit. Lethargic disease; stupoi 
or profound sleep. 

Compound. A union of two oi 
more parts or ingredients; as, 
compound umbels. 

Concave. Hollow; as a plani 
havini? a concave stem. 



GLOSSARY. 



433 



Confection. That wliicli is pre- 
pared with sugar; as fruit, 
flowers, or roots. 

Confluent. Eruptions which run 
together, siniilar to small-pox. 

Congener. In botany, plants 
which are nearly allied ; thus 
we say, a jjlant of the same 
genus, or possessing the same 
properties. 

Congestion. A collection of un- 
natural blood in any particular 
part of the body. 

Conglobate. A hard, ball-shaped 
substance; pertaining to the 
glands. 

Conglutinate. To unite; a te- 
nacious substance. 

Conserve. Confection. 

Constipated. A sluggish state 
of the bowels. 

Contorted. In botany, a twisted 
coral which has the edge over- 
lapping the next. 

Contracted. Shrunk ; shortened, 
or drawn together. 

Contusion. A bruise, injury, or 
wound. ^ 

Convalescence. A recovery from 
sickness or debility. 

Convex. In form somewhat 
round on the exterior surface. 

Cordate. Heart-shaped ; as a cor- 
date leaf. 

Cordial. A warming medicine 
calculated to animate the 
spirits ; and has been con- 
sidered, likewise, to strengthen 
the heart. 

Coriaceous. Resembling leather ; 
hard ; stiff; as, a coriaceous 
capsule, calyx or leaf. 

Cornea. A hard substance ; ap- 
plied to a membrane of the 
eye. 

Corolla. In botany, that which 
usually incloses the parts of 
fructification. 



Corroborant. A medicine which 
has the power to impart 
strength. 

Cortical. External; pertaining 
to the bark of trees, covering 
of the brain, etc. 

Coryza. Influenza; catarrh or a 
cold in the head. 

Counter-irritation. This is pro- 
duced internally by purgatives ; 
externally by stimulating appli- 
cations ; as, mustard plasters, 
liniments ; caustic ; issues, etc. 

Crenulate. The edge of any 
thing which is cut into very 
small notches, or scallops. 

Cruciate. In botany, a flower 
presenting a cross -like appear- 
ance. 

Cruciform. After the manner of 
cruciate. 

Cutaneous. Pertaining to the 
skin ; as, cutaneous eruptions. 

Cuticle. The thin skin covering 
a pustule or blister. 

Debility. Weakness; loss of 
strength or power. 

Deciduous. In botany, leaves 
which fall when nipped by 
the frost ; as a deciduous plant. 

Decoction. A drink made by 
boiling any substance or herbs 
in water. 

Defluxion. A running of humors 
or matter, consequent on in- 
flammation. 

Deglutition. The faculty of 
swallowing. 

Delirium. Insanity; craziness ; 
mania. 

Demulcent. A medicine calcu- 
lated to reduce irritation; a 
soft, soothing substance. 

Dentate. Toothed or notched on 
the edges ; as dentate leaves. 

Dentrifice. A substance formed 
into powder, used for cleansing 
the teeth. 



434 



GLOSSARY. 



Dentition. The cutting of teeth 
in infants. 

Beobstruent. A medicine which 
possesses the power to remove 
obstructions. 

Depletion. The various forms 
of evacuation ; as blood-letting, 
emetics, purgatives, blisters, etc. 

Detergent. A medicine which 
possesses the power of remov- 
ing obstructions, and cleansing 
any part of the body of foul 
matter. 

Diabetes. An immoderate flow 
or great quantity of saccharine 
urine. 

Diaphoretic. A medicine which 
possesses the power to pro- 
mote insensible perspiration, 
or discharges from the skin. 

Diaphragm. The muscle which 
divides the chest from the 
abdomen. 

Diarrhea. A looseness or lax- 
ity of the bowels, attended 
with slight griping, but with- 
out fever. 

Digitate. In botany, a digitate 
leaf is one which is divided 
into a number of separate leaf- 
lets, resembling fingers. 

Diluent. To make thin or reduce 
the strength of; as to add water 
to wine. 

Discutient. Any external or in- 
ternal preparation which has 
the power to resolve and dissi- 
pate morbid matter, or tumors 
in the body. 

Disk. The surface of a leaf, or 
the central part of a compound 
flower ; in speaking of a leaf 
we say the inferior disk. 

Dislocation. Any violence caus- 
ing displacement of a limb. 

Diuretic. A medicine which has 
the power to promote the flow 
of urine. 



Drain. Issue; a slow, gradual 

discharge. 
Drastic. A medicine which acts 
powerfully ; as a drastic emetio 
or cathartic. 
Draught. Fluid in quantity 
about a mouthful ; an ounce, 
or a dose. 

Dropsy. A preternatural ac- 
cumulation of water in any 
part of the body. 

Duct. A vessel of the body; a 
canal or tube ; thus the biliary 
duct. 

Dysmenorrhea. Menstruation 
which is attended with extreme 
suffering. 

Dysopsy. Imperfect vision. 

Dyspepsia. Difficult or imperfect 
digestion. 

Dyspnoea. Short, difficult breath- 
ing. It is usually a chronic 
disease. 

Dysuria. A partial obstniction 
in discharging urine, accom- 
panied with burning pain. 

Ebullition. Liquid agitated by 
heat, which produces bubbles. 

Effluvium. The disagreeable odor 
or smell, inhaled from plants, 
vegetable substances, or dis- 
eased bodies. 

Eject. To evacuate or discharge ; 
as to eject from the stomach by 
vomiting. 

Electuary. A preparation of 
medicine which we chiefly term 
confection. 

Emesis. Vomiting ; the act of 
ejecting from the stomach by 
the mouth. 

Emetic. A medicine which has 
the power of exciting vomit- 



Emmenagogue. 



A medicine cal- 
culated to promote the men- 
strual discharges. 
Emollient. A medicine which 



GLOSS ART 



435 



has tlie power to soften and 
relax the part to which it is 
applied ; likewise to alleviate 
pain, swelling, and inflamma- 
tion. 

Empyema. An accumulation of 
purulent matter in the cavity 
of the thorax. 

Emunctories. The excretory 
ducts, or any part of the hody 
which are employed to carry 
off matter, as the skin and 
kidneys. 

Emulsion. A medicine which is 
soft and greasy, and yet re- 
semhling milk. A combin- 
ation of ingredients. 

Enema. An injection or clyster ; 
they are administered for the 
purpose of emptying the 
bowels. 

Enteritis. Inflammation of the 
intestinal canal. 

Ephemera. A short fever, which 
is of one day's duration. 

Epidemic. A disease which is 
generally prevalent, and affects 
very many persons. 

Epigastrium. Pertaining to the 
part near the stomach. 

Epilepsy. Fits ; falling sickness. 

Epispastic. A remedy which is 
externally applied to irritate 
the skin and produce a blister. 

Exanthematous. A breaking out 
on the skin ; an eruptive fever, 
as rash, small-pox, measles, 
ect. 

Excoriation. An abrasion of the 
skin ; a chafing, or galling. 

Expectorant. A medicine which 
promotes spitting. 

Fauces. The back part of the 
mouth. 

Febrifuge. A medicine which 
has the power to allay or re- 
move fever. 

Febrile. Pertaining to fever. 



Fetid. Having a disagreeable or 
offensive odor. 

Fibre. A fine thready substance 
in animal or vegetable bodies. 

Fistula. A deep-seated hollow 
ulcer. 

Flaccidity. Softness ; weakness ; 
want of firmness. 

Flatulency. Wind generated in 
the stomach, occasioning pain. 

Flatus. Wind. 

Floret. A small flower ; a 
portion of a compound flow- 
er. 

Floriferous. Producing or bear- 
ing flowers. 

Fomentation. An application 
of flannels to any part of the 
body which have been dipped 
in hot water or medicated de- 
coctions. 

Friction. The act of rubbing the 
body with any thing, in order 
to promote a glow. 

Frond. A term chiefly appli- 
cable to the leaves of ferns and 
lichens. 

Fructification. Applied to the 
flowers and fruit of a plant. 

Fungus. Proud flesh. 

Galactopoietic. A medicine cal- 
culated to increase the flow of 
milk. 

Gall. Bile. . 

Gangrene. Mortification. 

Gargle, A medicated liquid for 
washing the mouth and throat. 

Gastric. Pertaining to the stom- 
ach. 

Gesticulation. The act of mak- 
ing gestures in speaking. 

Gland. A soft body ; a secretory 
organ. 

Glandular. Pertaining to the 
glands. 

Glutinous. Tenacious; sticky, 
gluey. 

Goitre. A swelling or tumor 



436 



GLOSSARY 



which makes its appearance on 
the fore part of the neck. 

Gout. A chronic disease, which 
makes its appearance in the 
great toe or joints. 

Gutta serana. A disease of the 
eye, accompanied with partial 
or total loss of sight. 

Heartburn. Waterbrash. 

Hectic. A fever which is attend- 
ed with debility and night 
sweats. 

Hemicrania. An intermittent, 
nervous pain Avhich affects one 
side of the head. 

Hemoptoe. Spitting of blood. 

Hemorrhage. Bleeding, or a dis- 
charge of blood from any of 
/ the vessels. 

Hemorrhoids. Piles. 

Hepatitis. Pain in the right 
side, and inflammation of the 
liver. 

Hepatic. Pertaining to the liver. 

Herbaceous. Possessing the 
nature of an herb ; the her- 
baceous stem is one which is 
not hard or woody. 

Hernia. Rupture. 

Herpes. Cutaneous diseases, as 
tetters ; ring-worms, etc. ; 

Herpes zoster. Shingles. 

Herpetic. Disease of the skin ; 
pertaining to herpes. 

Hydragogue. A medicine that 
produces watery discharges. 

Hydrocephalus. Dropsy of the 
head. 

Hydropic. Swelling caused by 
an accumulation of water. 

Hydrothorax. Dropsy of the 
chest. 

Hygienic. Pertaining to health. 

Hypochondria. A disease that 
is attended with dejection of 
mind, lowness of spirits or 
melancholy. 

Hysterics. A disease of the 



womb, which occasions ner- 
vousness, or fits. 

Iliac. A bad form of colic that 
takes place in the lower part 
of the abdomen. 

Ill-conditioned. Unhealthy, dis- 
eased ; being in a bad state. 

Imposthume. An abscess; an 
accumulation of purulent mat- 
ter. 

Incision. A cut made by a sharp 
instrument. 

Indicated. The manner or course 
pointed out; a course to be 
pursued in the cure of dis- 
ease. 

Indigenous. A native, or born 
in a country; or, that which 
is peculiar to a country; as, 
diseases or plants. 

Indigestion. Dyspepsia. 

Indurated. Hardened. 

Infarction. Constipation. 

Infection. Contagion. 

Inflammation. An increased 
action of a part, manifested 
by heat, arterial action, or 
fever. 

Inflated. Swelled ; distended. 

Inflorescence- A flowering ; or, 
the opening of blossoms. 

Influenza. An epidemic cold or 
catarrh. 

Infusion. A tea which is made 
without boiling ; as, steeping. 

Interim. The time intervening, 
or between. 

Intermission. A cessation, or 
temporary pause, or the inter- 
val which occurs between the 
paroxysms of a disease. 

Intermittent. A disease which 
entirely ceases for a certain 
length of time, as fever and 
ague. 

Irritation. The act of exciting 
or reddening the skin or flesh. 

Issue. A small sore, made in 



GLOSSAET. 



437 



some part of tlie body by 

caustic, to promote discbarges. 
Ligament. To unite, bind, or 

tie one bone or part to another. 
Ligature. That which ties or 

binds to prevent hemorrhage. 



Lii 



Woody. 



Linear. In botany, a leaf which 
is long and narrow, having the 
same width throughout except 
at the termination ; in a straight 
direction. 

Liniment. A composition soft- 
er and thinner than ointment. 

Lithontryptic. Medicine which 
possesses the power to resolve 
and remove calculous con- 
cretions. 

Lobed. A leaf which is cut into 
segments or jags. 

Loins. The lumbar region of the 
back. 

Lotion. A wash. 

Lubricating. That which is soft 
and slippery. 

Lumbago. A rheumatic com- 
plaint in the small of the back 
or in the region of the loins. 

Lymphatic. Vessels that carry 
or convey colorless fluid or 
lymph. 

Lyrate. Lyre-shaped. 

Macerating. The act of infusing, 
with or without heat, in order 
to extract the virtues of plants. 

Malaria. An impure air which 
has a tendency to produce 
disease. 

Malignant. A term applied to 
fevers of a malignant character, 
or local diseases; as, cancers, 
virulent ulcers, etc. 

Mastication. The act of chew- 
ing- 

Maturant. A medicine or appli- 
cation to an inflamed part 
which has the power to pro- 
mote suppuration. 

35 



Maturity. That which is fully 
developed. 

Medicament. A medicine or 
application which has the 
power to heal. 

Menses. ) The monthly 

Menstruation. ) courses. 

Miasmata. The effluvia of decay- 
ing or putrefying bodies float- 
ing in the air. 

Monopetalous. Having one petal, 
or one flower leaf. 

Morbid. Unsound ; diseased. 

Mortification. A part which be- 
comes entirely dead. 

Mucilage. A substance that is 
of a shining, slimy, gummy 
nature. 

Mucus. A slimy fluid discharged 
from the nose, lungs, etc. 

Multifid. A leaf or coral di- 
vided into many parts. 

Narcotic. A medicine that has 
the power to allay pain and 
produce sleep ; but in over- 
doses often produces convul- 
sions and coma. 

Nausea. Sickness at the stomach, 
with an inclination., to vomit 
without efl'ecting it. 

Nauseant. A medicine that has 
the power to produce nausea, 
and reduce arterial action ; as 
small doses of lobelia, ipecacu- 
anha, etc. 

Nephritis. An inflammation or 
disease of the kidneys. 

Nervine. A medicine that is 
calculated to act upon the 
nerves. 

Nervous. Lritable ; fretful ; trem- 
ulous. 

Neuralgia. Pain in one side of 
the face and head; it some- 
times, however, is experienced 
in various parts of the body. 

Nightmare. Incubus. Frightful 
dreams; distressing sensations 



438 



GLOSSARY. 



during sleep, and tlie subject is 
unable to speak though con- 
stantly endeavoring to do so. 

Node. A hard, circumscribed 
tumor. In botany, the joint 
of a plant that has a small ele- 
vation. 

Noxious. Injurious, hurtful, per- 
nicious. 

Nutant. Nodding or drooping. 

Obesity. Fatness. 

Obtund. To dull, to blunt; to 
reduce the acrimony of the 
humors. 

Obtuse. Blunt, not sharp ; as, 
a leaf that is obtusely termi- 
nated. 

Odor. Scent ; perfume ; smell. 

Officinal. Drugs or medicines 
kept in drug stores, which re- 
ceive the assent of physicians. 

Oleraceous. Plant or herb adapt- 
ed to cookery. 

Opacity. Dimness, obscurity, 
want of transparency ; as, 
opacity of the cornea. 

Opaque. Dark, obscure. 

Ophthalmia. Inflammation or 
disease of the eye. 

Opiate. A narcotic ; a medicine 
which produces sleep. 

Optic 
or sight. 

Organic. Pertaining to an organ 
or organization. 

Otorrhea. A purulent discharge 
from the ear. 

Ovate. Egg-shaped ; as, an 
ovate leaf. 

Paroxysm. A periodical form 
of disease. The symptoms of 
a disease which may last longer 
or shorter. 

Pectoral. A medicine that has 
the power to relieve diseases of 
the chest and lungs. 

Pedicle. A small stalk that sup- 
ports one flower only. 



Pertaining to the vision 



Peduncle. The stalk that sup- 
ports the flower as well as the 
fruit of a plant. 

Pendulous. Pendant, hanging 
down. 

Pentapetalous. A five petaled 
flower. 

Perennial. In botany, a plant or 
root which survives or con- 
timies to exist more than two 
years. 

Pericardium. The membrane sur- 
rounding the heart. 

Pericarp. The seed vessel of a 
plant. 

Peripneumony. Inflammation of 
the lungs. 

Petal. A flower leaf. 

Petchiae. The spots which ap- 
pear on the skin in malignant 
fevers, resembling flea bites. 

Petiole. Leaves which are sup- 
plied with a stalk. 

Phlegm. Thick, white, trans- 
parent mucus. 

Phlegmatic. A cold, sluggish, 
inactive temperament. 

Phlogistic. Inflammatory, or 
that state which is attended 
with arterial action. 

Phthisis. . A pulmonary com- 
plaint or consumption. 

Pinnate. A winged leaf or one 
which has several leaflets pro- 
ceeding laterally from one 
stalk. 

Pituitous. Viscid mucus. As 
pituitous matter. 

Plethoric. The state in which 
the vessels are overcharged 
with fluid or blood. 

Pleurisy. Inflammation of the 
pleura, which is attended with 
pain and fever. 

Pneumonia. Inflammation of 
the lungs. 

Polypus. A tumor wdiich is 
usually narrow at first, and 



GLOSSARY 



439 



afterwards grows wider, in tlie 
form of a pear. 

Prsecordia. The region in front 
of the heart. 

Prolapsus. Falling. 

Prolapsus uteri. Falling of the 
womb. 

Prophylactic. A medicine calcu- 
lated to guard against or pre- 
vent disease. 

Protuberant. Swelling, as a pro- 
tuberant joint. 

Ptyalism. Salivation. 

Pubescence. The hairs, or soft 
downy substance of leaves and 
stalks. 

Pulmonary. Pertaining to the 
lungs. 

Pungent. Sharp, biting, pun- 
gent. 

Purgative. A medicine which 
produces intestinal discharge. 

Purulent. Of the nature of 
pus or matter. 

Pustule. A small purple swel- 
ling. 

Putrefaction. CorrujDtion, rot- 
tenness. 

Putrid. Pertaining to putre- 
faction. 

Quartan. An intermittent ague ; 
that which occurs every fourth 
day. 

Quinsy. Sore throat. 

Quotidian. A daily fever. 

Radicle. A small root or fibre 
of a root. 

Eamification. The manner of 
branching or producing boughs 
of a tree. 

Rarefied. Any thing that is 
made thin, less compact, or 
less dense. 

Recumbent. A reclining or lean- 
ing posture. 

Redundancy. Excess, or super- 
abundance ; as the redundancy 
of the bile. 



Refrigerant. A medicine that 
has the power of cooling and 
allaying the heat of the body 
or of the blood. 

Remittent. Applied to diseases 
which abate in violence for a 
time without any entire inter- 
mission. 

Repellent. A medicine that has 
the power to drive back morbid 
humors into the mass of the 
blood, as a discutient. 

Repletion. The act of filling the 
body with food. 

Resolvent. A medicine that has 
the power to resolve or dissolve 
vitiated humors. 

Respiration. The act of breathing. 

Resuscitation. Reviving. 

Retina. The organ of vision. 

Rheum. Any mucous discharge. 

Rootlet. A small root. 

Rubefacient. An external appli- 
cation, which, when left to re- 
main on the skin a certain 
length of time, induces redness 
without blistering. 

Sanative. A medicine which 
heals, or proves curative in 
diseases. 

Sanguine. Abounding with 
blood ; plethoric. 

Scape. A stalk that rises from 
the root, producing a flower or 
fruit at it's summit, but no 
leaves ; as, in the dandelion. 

Schirrhus. A hard or indolent 
tumor in its incipient stage, 
but which finally terminates in 
a cancerous affection. 

Scorbutic. Affected with the 
scurvy. 

Secretory. Vessels or organs 
which separate peculiar fluid 
or substance from the blood. 

Sedative. A medicine that is 
calculated to allay pain and 
arterial action. 



440 



GLOSSARY 



Sedentary. Accustomed to sit 
much, or pass most of the time 
in a sitting posture. 

Sepal. The divisions of the 
calyx are called sepals. 

Serous. Of a watery nature ; 
pertaining to serum. 

Serrated. Having the edge 
jagged, or divided into teeth 
like those of a saw ; as, a 
a serrate leaf. 

Serum. The thin, watery part 
of milk, or of the blood. 

Sessile. In botany, a leaf or 
any part of a plant which is 
placed on the main stem with- 
out any footstalk. 

Seton. A setou is produced by 
having a green silk thread 
drawn with a needle through 
the flesh, and turned daily, in 
order to keep up a constant 
irritation and discharge. 

Sialogogue. A medicine which 
produces an unusual flow of 
saliva or spittle. 

Sinapism. A mustard poultice. 

Sinuated. A sinuate leaf is one 
whose sides or margins are 
waved or hollowed out, re- I 
sembling bays, as in the oak. 

Solids. The membranes, liga- 
ments, bones, muscles, nerves, 
etc. 

Soluble. Any thing that is capa- 
ble of being dissolved. 

Solution. A liquid containing 
some substance in a dissolved 
state. 

Solvent. Any fluid that has the 
power of dissolving. 

Soporific. Any thing that has 
the power of inducing sleep. 

Spasm. Cramp ; convulsion. 

Spasmodic. Pertaining to cramp 
or convulsion. 

Spathe. In botany, a sheath or 
covering opening lengthwise 



on one side which may inclose 

the flower or fruit. 
Specific. An infallible remedy. 
Spine. Back bone ; in botany, 

any plant or stalk which is 

armed with spines or thorns. 
Spleen. The milt; a spongy 

viscus, placed in the left side. 
Sternutatory. A substance that 

has the power to promote 

sneezing. 
Stertorous. Snoring, or a loud, 

deep sound in respiration. 
Stimulant. A medicine which 

has the power to excite the 

energy or action of the system. 
Stipule. A leafy appendage 

situated at the base of leaves 

or petioles. 
Stomachic. A medicine which 

is calculated to excite and 

strengthen the action of the 

stomach. 
Stringent. A medicine possess- 
ing a binding quality. 
Strumous. Scrofulous affection ; 

pertaining to struma. 
Stupor. A suspension of sensi- 
bility. 
Styptic. A medicine which has 

the power to arrest and restrain 

bleeding. 
Sub. This word is designed to 

express an imperfect state or 

quality. 
Sub-acid. Moderately acid or 

sour. 
Sub-acrid. Moderately pungent 

or acrid. 
Sub-acute. Acute in a moderate 

degree. 
Sub-cutaneous. Pertaining to a 

disease situated under the skin. 
Sub-saline. Saline or salt in a 

moderate degree. 
Sudorific. A medicine that has 

the power to promote perspi- 
ration or sweat. 



GLOSSARY. 



441 



Suffruticose. Plants tliat are 
somewhat woody or shrubby, 
as sage, thyme, etc. 

Suppuration. The process by 
which pus is formed in an in- 
flamed part. 

Symptomatic. That which is the 
symptom of an affection. 

Syncope. Fainting; swooning. 

Synocha. Inflammatory fever. 

Synovial. Pertaining to the fluid 
of the joints. 

Temperament. A peculiar habit 
of body. 

Tendon. The white cord or 
shining extremity of a muscle. 

Tendrils. Weak creeping vines 
or plants, which are supplied 
with claspers to wind round 
adjacent bodies for the purpose 
of support. 

Tenesmus. A constant desire to 
go to stool without a discharge, 
accompanied by pain. 

Tension. The state of being ex- 
tended or stretched. 

Tent. A roll of linen or lint 
placed in the opening of an 
ulcer. 

Terminal. Extreme ; situated at 
the end, as terminal spikes. 

Ternate. Three together, as the 
leaves of clover. 

Tertian. A fever that returns 
every other day ; as, fever and 
ague. 

Tetrapetalous. Having four 
petals. 

Thorax. The chest. 

Thrums. The thread-like inter- 
nal parts of fliowers ; the 
stamens. 

Tonics. Medicines which have 
the power to impart vigor or 
stength to the system. 

Topical. Medicines which are 
externally applied to any par- 
ticular part are called topical. 



Tormina. Gripes. 

Torpid. Dull; inactive. 

Torpor. A numbness; inactivity; 
applied to the state of the 
body which has lost all power 
of feeling and motion. 

Trachea. The windpipe. 

Triennial. That which exists 
three years ; every third year. 

Trifoliate. Having three leaves, 

Trilobed. Three lobed. 

Tripinnate. Triply pinnate. 

Tubercles. Small, hard tumors, 
knots or lumps. 

Tumefaction. A transient swell- 
ing. 

Tumid. Protuberance ; swelling ; 
enlarged. 

Tumor. A morbid swelling or 
enlargement in any particular 
part. 

Turbid. Muddy, dirty. 

Turgid. Swelled; bloated; dis- 
tended. 

Umbel. Flowers in form re- 
sembling an umbrella ; as, the 
parsnip, fennel, etc. 

Umbelliferous. Plants are so 
called which have umbels. 

Ureter. A tube conveying the 
urine from the kidneys to the 
bladder. 

Uterine, Belonging to the 
womb. 

Uterus. The womb. 

Uvula. A small, spongy sub- 
stance hanging over the root 
of the tongue. 

Valve. In botany, the divisions 
of the fruit. 

Vascular. Belonging to the ves- 
sels of animal or vegetable 
bodies. 

Verjuice. The acid liquor pres- 
sed from green grapes or apples. 

Vermifuge. A medicine that has 
the power to expel worms. 

Verticiilate. The flowers which 



442 



GLOSSARY. 



grow around tlie stem in whorls 
or rings one above another at 
each joint, are called verticil- 
late flowers. 

Vertigo. Dizziness ; giddiness. 

Vesication. Blistering. 

Vesicatory. That which pos- 
sesses the power to raise a 
blister. 

Vesicle. A small elevation of 
the cuticle, or bladder-like 
tumor, containing a transparent 
watery fluid. 

Vesicular. Having the appear- 
ance of vesicles. 

Virulent. Poisonous ; pertaining 
to virus. 



Virus. Poisonous, contagious 

matter. 
Viscera. The intestines ; the 

internal organs of the body. 
Viscid. Glutinous; sticky. 
Viscous. Tenaceous ; adhesive ; 

sticky. 
Volatile. That which is capable 

of wasting away suddenly from 

exposure to the air. 
Vulnerary. Any plant, drug, or 

composition which aids the 

healing of wounds. 
Whorl. Flowers or leaves which 

surround the stem in a ring 

nearly on the same plane is 

called a whorl. 



INDEX. 



Abortion, article to prevent 22 

Abscess, articles useful for, 41, 42, 
62, 158. 

Absorbents 399, 406 

Acid 148 

Acute rheumatism, article use- 
ful in 86 

Adder's tongue 13 

Agrimony 14 

Ague and Fever, articles useful in, 
l5, 16, 30, 39, 42, 124, 138, 321, 
411. 

Aloes 15 

Alteratives 23, 33, 50, 128, 378 

Alterative bitters 317 

Alterative sirup 24 

Alum 397 

Alum whey 377 

Alvine discharges, articles useful 

in 27, 47, 72 

Amaranth 406 

Amenorrhea, articles useful for. 144 

American columbo 14 

American senna 14 

Angelica 16 

Anise 396 

Anodynes 45, 79, 105, 109, 125 

Antepileptics 60, 120 

Antephialtic 120 

Anthelmintics 15, 23, 57 

Antibilious medicines. .19, 23, 65, 66 

Anticatarrhal remedies 55, 160 

Antidvsenterics 85, 406 

Antiemetics 151, 396, 404 

Antilithics 59, 66, 67, 402 

Antipharmics 108, 110 

Antiscorbutics 148, 164 

Antiseptics 84, 174 

Antispasmodics 27, 88 

Antistrumous 148 

Antisyphilitics 28, 406 



Aperients 50, 90, 142, 164, 401 

Appetite, articles to procure, 20, 27, 
104, 156, 329. 

Apoplexy 297 

Apothecaries' weights 390 

Appendix 393 

Aphthous affections, remedies 

useful in 50, 66, 148, 154 

Ascarides 15 

Asthma 278 

articles useful in, 78, 90, 106, 
146, 152, 327, 330. 

Asafoetida 408 

Astringents, 23, 24, 49, 58, 66, 102, 
166, 379. 

Avens 17 

Backache, remedy in 128 

Baldness, articles useful in, 118, 133, 
165. 

Balm 17 

Balmof Gilead 18 

Balmony 19 

Balsamic medicines 80, 136 

Balsams 371, 383 

Barberry 19 

Bayberry 20 

Belladonna 405 

Bethroot 21 

Biliary complaints, articles use- 
ful in 104, 124 

Bilious colic 229 

articles useful in 172, 336 

Bilious fever 181 

article, useful in 163 

Bistort 21 

Bite of mad dog, remedy in 62 

Bite of snake, remedies in. . .62, 144 

Bitter apple , 411 

Bitter-root 22 

Bitter-sweet 22 

Black alder ■. 23 

(443) 



444 



INDEX. 



Blackberry 24 

Black cohosh 24 

Black hellebore 73 

Black-root 25 

Black snake-root 25 

Bleeding of the lungs 281 

articles useful in 82, 329 

Blessed thistle 26 

Bleeding at the nose, articles 

useful in 82, 329 

Blood, articles useful for 28, 59- 

Blood-root 27. 

Blue cohosh 27 

Blue flag 28 

Blue lobelia 28 

Blue skullcap 29 

Boils 224 

article useful in 62 

Boneset 30 

Borage 31 

Bowel complaints, remedies use- 
ful in 24,406 

Bronchitis 269 

articles useful in.. .46, 110, 112 

Brooklime 32 

Bruises 324 

remedies in 126, 150 

Bryony 32 

Burdock 33 

Burns and scalds, articles useful 

in 14, 100, 331 

Butter cup 34 

Butternut 35 

Cabbage 410 

Cachexia, articles useful in 146 

Calcined magnesia 406 

Cancers, cures for 48, 150, 319 

Canker, remedies for, 54, 6Q, 134, 
148, 166, 323, 334, 338. 

Cardiac medicines 31, 91 

Carminative powder 384 

Carnation pink 44 

Carrot 36 

Castor oil 403 

Cataplasm 145 

Catarrh, articles useful in, 82, 96, 
144, 352. 

Cathartics 86, 108, 368 

Catnip 36 

Cayenne pepper 37 

Celandine 38 

Centuary 38 

Cephalic medicines 32, 44 | 



Cephalic snuff 118, 374 

Chamomile 39 

Chapped hands, remedy in 66 

Chicken-pox 195 

articles useful in 136, 332 

Chickweed 40 

Chilblains 254 

remedy in 346 

Cholera infantum, article useful 

in 413 

Cholera morbus 218 

remedies iu. . . .46, 52, 117, 335 

Chorea 305 

Chronic sores, remedies in, 44, 60, 88 

Cinquefoil 41 

Clary 42 

Cleavers 43 

Clover 45 

Clysters 369, 385 

Cod liver-oil 402 

Coffee 411 

Colds 258 

articles useful in, 322, 330, 334 
Colic 227 

articles useful in, 52, 80, 118, 
134. 

Colic-root 45 

Colt's foot 45 

Columbo 46 

Comfrey 47 

Composition 374 

Compounds 317 

Concussion of the brain 315 

Confections 367, 370, 371, 377 

Constipation 217 

articles useful for 350, 413 

Consumption of the lungs 286 

articles useful for, 41, 46, 96, 
138, 334. 
Contracted muscles or limbs, 

articles to relax. . . .76, 110, 156 

Contusions 93, 158 

Cordials, 367 379 

Corns, remedy for, 335 

Costiveness 334 

Coughs 261 

articles useful for, 42, 96, 102, 
114, 261, 321, 324, 339, 343, 344, 
346. 
Cramps, remedies for, 108, 150, 156, 
335. 

Cranberry 48 

Crane's-bill 49 



INDEX. 



445 



Croup 268 

remedies in 320, 331 

Cucumber 401 

Cutaneous diseases 350 

articles useful in, 102, 140, 350, 

352. 
Cuts, curatives in, 93, 112, 126, 158, 

332. 

Cutting almond 50 

Daisy 50 

Dandelion 50 

Deafness, remedies in 142, 341 

Debility, medicines to obviate, 42, 

138, 104, 160. 

Delirium, article useful in 138 

Demulcents 381, 388 

Deobstruents 74, 140 

Detergent gargle 382 

Detergents 150, 406 

Diabetes 245 

article useful in 117 

Diaphoretics 84, 400 

Diarrhea 213 

remedies in... 42, 104, 323, 348 

Dill 51 

Dimness of sight 316 

remedies in 78, 126 

Directions relative to selecting 

and gathering plants, etc. . . . 388 

Diseases of the heart 293 

articles useful in 101, 136 

Discutients * 104, 148, 158 

Discutient ointments 76, 107 

Diseases of the skin, remedies 

in 130, 148 

Diuretics 52, 62, 102, 369 

Doses of medicine 389 

Dropsy... 311 

articles useful in, 52, 61, 62, 

117, 128, 144, 152, 320, 333, 339, 

344. 

Drinks in fevers 318, 336, 345 

Dry measure 390 

Dwarf elder 52 

Dysentery 214 

articles useful in.. .42, 138, 346 
Dyspepsia, articles useful in, 42, 98, 

102, 134, 348. 

Dyspeptic bitters 378 

Earache, remedies in 118, 340 

Elder 52 

Elecampane 53 

Emetics .84, 93, 385 



Emmenagogues, 52, 58, 102, 117, 
120, 138, 146. 

Emollients 41, 166 

Emollient gargle 382 

Endive 54 

Enlargment of the liver, reme- 
dies in 72, 100 

Enteritis 212 

Epilepsy 304 

articles useful in, 42, 60, 108, 
120, 138. 

Epsom salt 400 

Erosions of the intestines, ar- 
ticle useful in 349 

Errhines 42, 142 

Erysipelas 198 

articles useful in.. . .42, 48, 100 

Escharotics 397, 399 

Expectorants . .62, 84, 144, 375, 382 

Eye-bright 55 

Eyes, inflammation of the 307 

remedies in. 52, 376 

Eye-waters 50, 134 

Fainting 310 

remedies in 54, 134 

Falling of the palate, medi- 
cines to obviate 108, 114 

Falling sickness ; . . 304? 

articles useful in 114, 120 

Febrifuges 33, 58, 152 

Felon 224 

remedy in 350 

Female obstructions, articles 
useful in. .104, 106, 128, 150, 152 

Fennel 56 

Fern 57 

Fevers, articles useful in, 122, 144, 
152, 333, 346. 

Fevers * 176 

bilious 181 

irritative 178 

intermittent 179 

pernicious 183 

typhoid 118 

scarlet 197 

yellow 185 

Feverfew . . , . i 58 

Filipendula 59 

Films, articles to remove ... .38, 56 

Fits 304 

articles useful in . . .42, 60, 120 

Flatulence 217 

remedies in 80, 156, 351 



446 



INDEX 



F::ix;eei 412 

F::::i v. eighis 391 

Floor albus, articles usevi. for, 42, 
406. 

Fomentations 58, 102, 370, 379 

Foxglove 60 

Freckles, articles useful iiL.170, 337 

Fumitory 61 

Fungous flesh, articles useful 

in 74, 398 

Crashes, remedies in 94, 158 

Gargles 166, 383 

Garlic 62 

Grastritis 2;r? 

Gentian ; 63 

Giddine^ or vertigo, remedies 

in 64, 132 

Ginseng 64 

Glands, enlariiement of, reme- 
dies in " 112, 148 

Golden-rod 64 

Crolden-seal 65 

Gold-thread 66 

Goitre. 355 

Gooseberrv 66 

Gout . . .' 203 

articles useful in 16, 341 

Grape vine 67 

Gravel, articles useful in, 52, 128, 
146, 244, 342. 

Greek valerian. 68 

Ground ivy 63 

Ground pine 69 

Groundsel 70 

Hair, articles useful for the, 118. 133, 
165. 

Hart's tongue. 71 

Headache, articles nsefnl in. 120. 341, 
349. 

Heart-bum 241 

remedies in 241, 342 

Heart's ease 71 

Hedge hyssop 72 

Hedge mustaid 72 

Hemlock 74 

Hemorrhage of the lungs 285 

articles useful in. . . 96, 371, : ~ ~ 

Hemp 

Henbane. 7 

Hepatitis 2 1 

remedies ii. 72. 156 

HerbKrber: , '. 77 

Eer-e; z:;:er. reneiv i:: 42 



E::::-izh, renelies in 56, 327 

Eives 352 

Hops 79 

Hoarseness, remedies in, 42, 126, 
136. 

Horehound 73 

Horsemint 80 

Horseradish 402 

Hot drops 373 

Houseleek 81 

Hydragogues 72, 86 

Hydrops 311 

Hypochondriasis 146 



H^ 



8i 



Hrsteria, articles useful in, 104, 134, 

144. 
Hysterics, articles useful in, 399, 409 

Iceland moss 400 

Icterus 233 

Impurities in the blood, articles 

useful for 112, 117 

Incontinence of urine 247 

Increase the milk in nurses, 

medicines to 56 

Incubus 309 

Indian cup-plant 82 

Indian Physic 83 

Indigestion 211 

articles useful in 38, 323 

Indigo 84 

Infusion of roses. 383 

Inflammation, articles useful in, 48^ 

54, 58, 84, 100, 126, 164, 351. 
Ire2~~2Ti?" 

: :e bladder. . . 244 
:: - >-^els... 212 
c: z. ... 2^ 

i 307 

;ievs.. 242 

::.*... 251 

c: :-: : - ... 271 



395 

in... 46, 52 
..159.398 



In-: 



ill 
£51 



INDEX 



447 



Internal braises or injuries, | 

remedy in 54 ' 

Ipecacaanka 84 

Irish naass 40() 

Itch 248 

remedies in 42, 54, 112 

Jalap 86 

Jaundice 233 

articles useful in, 42, 44, 102, i 

120, 138, 148, 324. _ i 

Jumper 87 

Kidneys, inflammation of 242 

articles useful in 90, 325 i 

King's evil 222 | 

Knot grass 88 ; 

Lacteal profusion, article useful j 

in 154 I 

Lady's slipper 88 | 

Lameness, article useful in 126 ! 

Larkspur 412 | 

Lavender 89 ■ 

Laxatives 30, 387 

Laxative enema. 384 

Leopard's bane 397 

Leprosy 117 

Lettuce 90 

Licorice 90 

Life everlasting 91 ! 

Lily of the valley 911 

Lime water, how to prepare - . . 380 I 

Liniments 372, 384 ! 

Liniment for burns 356 ; 

Linseed 412 ; 

Liver complaints, articles useful | 

in 90, 100, 114, 122, 136, 328 ; 

Liverwort 92 ^ 

Lobelia 93 | 

Lock-jaw, articles useful in, 328, 338 : 
Loosened teeth, remedies in, 49, 54 j 

Loosestrife 94 i 

Loss of voice, remedies in. 126, 410 j 

Lotions '.142, 372 I 

Lovage 95 

Lungs, inflammation of the 271 

Lungwort 96 

Madder 96 

Magnesia 406 

Magnolia tree 97 

Maidenhair 98 

Male fern 57 

Malignant ulcerous sore throat, 

remedies in 408, 415 

Mallows 98 



Mandrake 100 

Mania, articles useful in, 88, 122, 

138. 

Maple sugar. 407 

Marigold 101 

Marjoram 101 

Marshmallow 99 

Marsh-rosemary 102 

Masterwort . . .' 103 

May apple 100 

Mayweed , 103 

Measles 195 

articles useful in 136, 327 

Melancholy, remedies in .... 97, 124 

MeHlot . . .' 104 

Menstruation, profuse, articles 

useful in 65, 341 

Mercurial dise^ises, articles use- 
ful in 154, 173 

Mercurial ulcers in the mouth. . 415 

Milk sickness 302 

Milk-weed 105 

Mortification, articles useful in, 84, 

104, 146. 

Motherwort 106 

Mugwort 107 

Mulberry 108 

Mullein". 109 

Mumps 237 

article useful for 332 

Mustard 110 

Mustard whey 374 

Mvrrh ' Ill 

Narcotics 60, 76, 126, 369 

Nausea, medicines to obviate, 76, 348 
Xephritic complaints, articles 

useful for 64, 122 

Xervines 58. 64, 76, 88 

Nettle ' 112 

Nettle rash 414 

Neuralgia, remedies in 118, 347 

Nightmare 309 

remedy in 120 

Night-sweats, remedial articles 

in 42, 58, 120, 309, 343 

Oak 113 

Obesity, article to reduce 56 

Obstructed circulation, articles 

useful in 127, 160 

Obstructions, articles to remove, 52, 

56, 138, 160. 

Ointments 353 

Olive or sweet oil 407 



448 



INDEX. 



Onion 114 I 

Ophthtilmia 307 

Pain in the chest, remedies 

for 53, 120 

Pain in the face, medicines to 

remove 342, 402 

Pain in the bowels, articles use- 
ful for 120, 124, 144, 350 

Pain in the joints 54 

Pain in the teeth, remedies 

for 12G, 340 

Pain in the ear, remedies for, G2, 

115, 118. 

Painter's colic 230 

Pal])itation of the heart, articles 

useful in 134, 327 

Palsy 300 

articles useful in . . 138, 324, 326 
Paralysis, (see palsy.) 

Parsley . 15 

Parturition, articles useful in, 24, 156 

Pasque flower 116 

Peach 117 

Pectorals 62, 78, 166, 383, 369 

Pellitory of Spain 118 ^ 

Pennyroyal 119 i 

Peony 120 

Peppermint 121 

Persimmon 412 

Phthisis, articles useful in. . .99, 411 

Piles 238 

remedies in, 173, 323, 326, 328, 

350. 

Pills 363 

mildly purgative 365 

laxative 365 

asafoetida 365 

antispasmodic 363 

cathartic 364 

compound cathartic 364 

Pimpernel 121 

Pink-root 409 

Pipsissewa 169 

Plantain 122 

Plasters 380. 387 

Pleurisv 273 

remedies in 124, 144, 328 

Pleurisy-root 124 

Pneumonia - . 271 

article useful in 144 

Poisons 224, 225, 226, 318 

Polypody 124 

Polypus, article useful in 112 



Poplar 125 

Poppy 125 

Poultices 145, 166 

for abscess 386 

for boil 386 

Preventive against malignant 

fever 62, 348 

Prickly ash 126 

Prince's feather 406 

Profuse menses, remedies in. .21, 42 
Prolapsus uvula, remedies in,. 14, 72 
Proud flesh, articles useful for, 74, 
398. 

Psora 248 

Pulmonary complaints, articles 

useful in 102, 349 

Pulmonic sirup 372 

Purgatives 376, 412 

Purslain 127 

Putrescence, articles useful in, 108, 

154. 
Putrid sore throat 415 

articles useful in 84, 404 

Queen of the meadow 128 

Queen's delight 129 

Quince 130 

Quinine 398 

Quinsy 207 

remedies in 42, 326 

Radish 401 

Raspberry 131 

Rattleweed 24 

Rattles in children 338 

Red currant 395 

Red lobelia 132 

Red puccoon-root 27 

Refrigerants 48, 369, 400 

Remittent or bilious fever 181 

Resolvents 74, 367 

Rheumatism 200 

articles useful in, 58, 98, 108, 
134, 138, 144, 150, 325, 329, 344. 

inflammatory 347 

Rhubarb 413 

Rickets, articles useful in. . .403, 406 
Ringworm, remedies in, 148, 158, 

326. 
Ringworm of the scalp 250 

remedy in 117 

Rosemary 132 

Roses 133 

Rubefacients Ill, 134, 402 

Rue 134 



INDEX. 



449 



Rupture, articles useful in . . . 42,. 150 

Saffron 135 

Sage 136 

Salivation, article useful in.... 154 

Salt rheum 338 

Salve 373,387 

Sarsaparilla 139 

Sassafras 139 

Savine 140 

Scabies 248 

Scald head, remedies in, 117, 148, 

164. 

Scarlatina 197 

Scarlet fever, articles useful in, 84, 

318 

Scrofula 222 

articles useful in, 60, 100, 106, 

117, 148, 158, 170, 330, 337. 
Scrofulous sore eyes, article use- 
ful in 100 

Scurvy 252 

remedies in, 117, 142, 146, 148, 

164, 325, 348. 

Scurvy grass 142 

Sea sickness 209 

Sedatives 88, 93 

Self-heal 143 

Seneka snake- root 143 

Ssnna 14 

Shingles, articles useful in 42 

Shortness of breath, remedies 

in 80, 112 

Sialogogues 118, 126 

Sick headache 210 

Sickness at the stomach, articles 

useful in 80, 330 

Silk-weed 105 

Sinapisms 34, 111 

Sirup, alterative 140 

Sirup, expectorant 408 

Sirup of sarsaparilla 372 

Skunk cabbage 144 

Slippery elm 145 

Small-pox 191 

articles useful in 101, 136 

Smart- weed 145 

Snake bites, articles useful in, 62, 93 

123. 

Soapwort 146 

Solomon's seal 147 

Soot 399 

Sore eyes, remedies in 38, 94 

Sore lips, remedies in 66 



Sore mouth of nursing women. 206 

Sore throat, remedv in 331 

Sorrel I 148 

Southern sorrel 149 

Southernwood 150 

Spasms, articles useful in 88, 405 

Spearmint 151 

Spikenard 151 

Spitting of blood 281 

articles useful in 54, 138 

Splenetic affections, articles use- 
ful in 100, 125 

Sprains 315 

articles useful for, 126, 150, 326, 
343. 

Squaw-root 24 

Squill 152 

Starch 399 

Starch enema 384 

Star-grass 413 

Stimulants 80, 164 

Stimulant liniment 372 

St. John's wort 137 

Stomachics 80, 130 

Stomachic bitters 370 

Stomach, inflammation of the. . 208 
Strains, articles useful in. . .150, 171 
Strangury, articles useful in, 150, 321 

Strawberry 152 

Strengthening plaster 380 

Strengthening medicines. . . .98, 171 

St. Vitus' dance 305 

Styptics 108, 166 

Succory 153 

Sudorifics. . . .86, 119, 121, 145, 159 

Sumach 154 

Suppression of urine, articles 

useful in 128, 138 

Sweet gale ' 155 

Swellings 324 

articles useful in, 50, "76, 100, 
126, 138, 158. 
Swooning, articles useful in, 18, 54, 
134. 

Synonyms 419 

Tamarinds 396 

Tansy 175 

Tape-worm, articles useful in, 108 
325. 

Tetters, articles useful in 38, 148 

Thoroughwort 30 

Thrush 205 

remedy in 351 



450 



INDEX 



Thyme, 156 

Tic doloureaux, remedies in, 402, 405 

Tiger lily 157 

Tinctures 357 

Tinea capitis , 250 

remedies in 117, 148 

Toad flax 157 

Tobacco 158 

Tonics 58, 66, 172, 368 

Tonic bitters 66 

Toothache, articles useful in 126, 331 

Toothache tree 126 

Tormentil 159 

Tulip tree 167 

Tumors, articles useful in, 41, 100, 

158, 332, 340. 

Typhoid fever 118 

articles useful in 84, 408 

Ulcers 255 

articles useful in, 96, 112, 117, 

154, 322, 332. 
Ulcers and pimples on the 

tongue 414 

Ulceration of the lungs, articles 

useful in 134, 377 

Urinary diseases, articles useful 

in 50,401 

Vaccination 194 

Vaccine 194 

Valerian 160 

Varioloid 195 

Vermifuges.. . .62, 63, 117, 132, 376 

Vertigo, remedies in 64, 132 

Vervain 161 

Vinegar 399 

Vinegar enema 381 

Vinegar of squill 381 

Violet 161 

Virginia snake-root 162 

Volatile liniment 384 



Vomiting, articles useful in, 52, 146, 

156. 
Vulnerary medicines, 50,64,88,94,122 

Wake-robin 163 

Warts, articles useful in 38, 332 

Water-cress 164 

Weak nerves, articles useful in, 29, 

330. 

Weak eyes, remedies in 322, 379 

Weak stomach, articles useful in, 46, 

58, 66, 102, 104, 118, 134, 156, 333 

Weights and measures 390 

Wetting the bed at night 339 

Weld 165 

White lily 165 

White pond lily 166 

White swelling, article useful in, 337 

Whitewood 167 

White willoAv 168 

Whitlow 224 

Whooping cough 265 

articles useful in.. 144, 156, 335 

Whortleberrv 167 

W^ild cherryl 396 

Wild ginger 169 

Wine...'.' 404 

Wintcrgreen 169 

Woodbine 170 

Worms 220 

Worm remedies 62, 156, 336 

Wormwood ... 171 

Wounds, healing articles in, 50, 60, 

65, 126, 138. 

Yam-root 172 

Yarrow 172 

Yeast 408 

Yellow-dock 173 

Yellow parilla 173 

Yellow-root 174 

Zinc ointment 354 



B/\pVS 



TO physicia:n's atstd dealers. 



I WISH to remind you of the fact, that for years I have 
given my personal attention to purchasing and forwarding 
Drugs, Medicines, Store and Office Fixtures, Apparatus, 
Books, and every thing required by Physicians and Dealers 
in Medicine. 

My position as Professor of Materia Medica, and my long 
experience, enables me to select and purchase in such a 
manner that I will guarantee that all articles forwarded by 
me shall be of a satisfactory character, and at the lowest 
market price. 

Having no connection with any business house, I have all 
orders filled where I can purchase on the best terms, and my 
past experience, proves that my method of doing business 
has been highly satisfactory and a great saving of expense, 
as I fill a large or a small order on as good or better terms 
than the purchaser could obtain if he were present in person 
to make the selection, and thus I save him the time and 
expense of visiting the city. 

All orders should be accompanied with a remittance 
sufficient to fill it, except where goods are* to be sent by 
Express, when the Bill can be paid on delivery of the goods. 
Orders or letters of inquiry should be addressed to, 

DR. 0. H. CLEAYELAND. 

Cincinnati, Ohio. 

!N". B. — For my ability to give entire satisfaction to all, I 
refer to the Dealers and Druggists of this city, and to the 
many Physicians for whom I have made purchases. 






'■r^t ^ 






AV^t, 






u- 



"11 



i^ 




ii3ti«*itiiitjuiat5fiti»iUU»iiil«aotiii«ili<J«i{i-iiUUl{JiSiIiiiiiU5i!i 



♦jiitttitKa'ci^iBH^yuyiaaiiiiaii. 



